Georgetown: Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker and a team of officials in Region One reported that there are five licensed fuel dealers in the area and scores of unlicensed dealers. He undertook to bring the situation to the Director General of Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
At the time Minister Whittaker was accompanied by Regional Chairman Paul Pierre, Regional Executive Officer Nigel Fisher, Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council IMC Chair Margaret Lambert and other Local Government, RDC and Matarkai NDC officials.
“Many residents and business persons and NDC [Neigbhourhood Democratic Council] and RDC [Regional Democratic Council] officials also expressed concern for the many, including schoolchildren who traverse the waterways in areas contiguous to where this illegal fuel operation takes place,” Whittaker said.
He said residents also pointed to the discharge of fuel in these waterways and its use as a toilet and a garbage dump by the many who work on these boats, and opined that it would not be long before there is another gastro outbreak.
Suggestions that all fuel be discharged at the Morawhanna Port of Entry or in an area at the commencement of the canal were offered.
Early last month, a boat at Port Kaituma exploded after a fuel pump malfunctioned and jets of diesel sprayed on the hot surface of the pump. A fire consequently ignited and engulfed the vessel.
The lone crew member, who was onboard, attempted to put out the fire, but the heat was too much, causing him to jump overboard. He swam ashore and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
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