The Creek and Waterways Taskforce recently carried out a thorough risk assessment of local creeks and waterways along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and environmental protection.
The purpose of these visits was to evaluate potential hazards and identify areas for improvement.
During the initiative, creek operators were provided with life rings to strengthen their emergency response capabilities.
The data collected during this assessment will be used to develop targeted strategies for risk mitigation and inform future policy decisions.
The taskforce includes representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Guyana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Labour, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Earlier this month, two cousins – Anika La Rose and Joylyn Jack – tragically drowned during a birthday outing at Enchanter Creek on the Linden Highway.
UPDATE: Drowning claims lives of two young girls at Enchanter Creek
Reports revealed that the girls left their homes with family members to celebrate Anika’s 10th birthday at the creek.
While there, it is alleged that the two girls were playing in the water and were later discovered missing. An alarm was raised, and a search party was formed to locate the girls. Joylyn’s body was first recovered. Anika was found about half an hour later. They were both pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Center.
Following the tragedy, the operator of Enchanter Creek issued a heartfelt apology during an emergency meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Center. The operator explained that typically, two staff members oversee the facility, but on the day of the drowning, only one staff member was present as the other had briefly left. He admitted that monitoring all areas can be challenging, especially with a large crowd.
In response to the tragedy, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn announced that all water-based recreational facilities must implement trained lifeguards, clear signage, and designated children’s areas within a week.
