Two vessels to now ply Supenaam/Parika route; cargo vehicles are priority

Following complaints by truck drivers who have been stuck for almost a week at the Parika Ferry Service on the East Bank of Essequibo, the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) on Thursday revealed that two vessels will now be allowed to travel between Supenaam and Parika.

The TH&D in a statement further revealed that priority will be given to cargo vehicles, medical/emergency vehicles and vehicles authorized to travel by management.

The News Room had reported that truck drivers were severely affected due to the new schedule implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Only one vessel was operating.

See below the full statement by T&HD:

(Thursday, 14^th May, 2020) – In compliance with COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 3) made pursuant to the Direction by the President given under the Public Health Ordinance cap 145,  the Transport and Harbours Department wishes to reiterate the implementation of the following stringent measures to monitor domestic movement of persons to and from the islands, with specific emphasis on the Parika to

Supenaam route:

• Two vessels will be allowed to travel between Supenaam – Parika (RETURN TRIP)

Supenaam – Parika

Monday to Friday         First departure (scheduled) 7:00 am

Second departure (unscheduled) between 8:30 am – 10:00 am.

Parika – Supenaam

Monday to Friday         First departure (unscheduled) between the hours of 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Second departure (scheduled) 2:00 pm

To ensure the health and safety of all persons, please be further advised of the following that:

• Priority will be given to CARGO vehicles, Medical/Emergency vehicles and vehicles authorized to travel by Management.
• Small vehicles travelling on pleasure WILL NOT be allowed.
• Passengers are asked to wear their mask at ALL TIMES while onboard the vessel and maintain social/physical distancing. Failure to comply with these requirements, will result in a passenger (s) being denied re-boarding of the vessel.
• Passengers will be subject to additional assessment on the purpose of their trip before being given permission to board the vessel. Please be reminded that once your travel is for pleasure or you DO NOT have CARGO you will be denied entry by authorities, including the Guyana Police Force.
• Any persons permitted to travel to work for essential services under the COVID-19 Emergency Measures Notice shall have in his or her possession an official identification document and official work identification document or proof of workplace which must be supplied if requested by the Guyana Police Force prior to boarding.

Please be reminded that the Transport and Harbors Department will continue the aforementioned schedule unless otherwise publicly informed. Please note that such restrictions on travel are for national health, safety and protection and persons are reminded to remain at home and adhere to the COVID- 19 Emergency Measures.

The Management of Transport and Harbours Department sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused and wishes to thank the travelling public for their continuous cooperation as we seek to curb the spread of COVID-19.