Dear Editor,
It is with deep concern and frustration that I address an issue that exemplifies the vindictive and self-serving nature of politics in our country, as demonstrated by some who masquerade as public servants while turning their backs on the most vulnerable among us.
In 2017, the Coalition Government introduced a vital initiative to ease the burden on schoolchildren, pensioners, and commuters travelling between the Rosignol and New Amsterdam ferry stellings. This initiative involved the acquisition of two water taxis, funded by taxpayers at a cost of approximately $20 million. The service was well received and quickly became an essential mode of transportation for residents, while also providing income-earning opportunities for individuals in the Rosignol and New Amsterdam communities.
Following the change in government in August 2020, the PPP/C Administration ceased the operation of the water taxis. After a prolonged period of silence and public inconvenience, the vessels were briefly reinstated in May 2022, creating the misleading impression that the service was a new PPP/C initiative, rather than the continuation of a Coalition Government project financed by the people of Guyana. This political posturing did nothing to ensure the long-term sustainability of a service paid for by taxpayers, and the water taxis have once again fallen into disuse.
During a recent visit to the Rosignol Stelling, I was dismayed to observe its complete abandonment. What was once a bustling transit point now resembles a ghost town, with no visible operations between the two stellings. Commuters who relied heavily on the water taxis continue to suffer in silence. A regular user confirmed that the vessels have been out of commission for some time, yet neither the Ministry nor the Government has offered any explanation or update to the public.
It is time for the Minister of Public Works, Hon. Juan Edghill, to stop hiding behind political rhetoric and provide clear answers to the following questions:
1. What specific circumstances led to the water taxis, purchased with taxpayers’ money, once again being taken out of service?
2. Where are the water taxis currently located, and where are their engines being stored and secured?
3. When will the people of Rosignol and New Amsterdam see the full and permanent restoration of the water taxi service they paid for?
4. In the absence of water taxi operations between the Rosignol and New Amsterdam ferry stellings, what activities—if any—are currently taking place at these locations, and what is the approximate monthly cost to taxpayers to maintain facilities that appear to be idle?
This situation goes beyond inconvenience. It speaks to governance by neglect, political gamesmanship, and a blatant disregard for taxpayer-funded public assets meant to serve the people.
Editor, I have attached images showing the condition of the vessels when they were operational, alongside images depicting the present state of the Rosignol Stelling.
The public deserves transparency, accountability, and respect for how their money is spent. I look forward to hearing, and sharing, the responses from Minister Edghill.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson
