Guyana’s rivers are a priceless patrimony but they could be perilous. About seventeen persons die every year in river incidents. Three children drowned in the Rupununi Region and two men in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region recently. The improved management of rivers – at central, regional and municipal levels – can ensure that citizens are safe and the country is secure.
Former President David Granger, calling attention to the challenges for personal safety and national security on his weekly programme – The Public Interest – alluded to the importance of rivers in everyday life. He emphasised, however, that this bounty should not be taken for granted. He said that it was our common responsibility to prevent the loss of lives, to preserve our pristine environment and to protect our national borders.
Mr. Granger explained that Guyana’s rivers, of which there more than sixty of substantial size, gave the country its name – ‘the land of waters’. Rivers demarcate, denominate and dominate the ten administrative regions and shaped the country’s destiny – geographically, historically, naturally, politically and strategically. Guyana’s national borders are defined, mainly, by rivers.
The former President stated that the Guyana-Suriname border is formed by the Kutari and Corentyne Rivers. Suriname alleges, perversely, that the New River is the ‘Boven Corantijn’ – Upper Corentyne – the river’s source. Suriname attempted to occupy the New River Zone but was expelled in 1969. The status of the River is still not understood by the public at large or by fishermen in particular, who often complain of harassment by the Surinamese marine patrols.
The Guyana-Venezuela border is formed by the Amacuro, Cuyuni and Wenamu Rivers. Venezuela illegally seized Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River in 1966 and claims, perversely, Nos. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 Regions in their entirety. Venezuelan ‘sindicatos’ often threaten frontier villages. He added that the Guyana-Brazil border is formed by the lightly-policed Ireng and Takutu rivers which allow an influx of illegal miners. Their illegal involvement in mining adversely affects residents and the environment.
Mr. Granger called for the enforcement of laws and regulations to ensure a higher degree of safety on board vessels which ply rivers and proposed four new measures. First, the establishment of a Motorboat Operators’ Training Agency to train motorboat operators in their legal obligations and practical operation of boats in order to prevent accidents and protect passengers’ lives.
Second, the formation of a Medical Emergency and Rescue Service – connected to regional public health services – which can respond to passengers in distress. Third, the inauguration of a National River Transport Safety Agency to ensure that river transportation is safe and that regulations are enforced. And, finally, a National Border Protection Task Force is needed conduct river patrol operations and enforce regulations rigorously.
The former president iterated that our rivers are not ‘ungoverned’ geographical features in ‘unruly’ areas; they are precious assets which must be protected for posterity. Everyone should be entitled to enjoy a good life in our bountiful land of ‘rivers and plains.’ ó „€
