000. After much consideration and discussion

micevan1l6

Just over a week ago after much deliberation at the association level, speedboat operators in Bartica took the decision to operate from the Transport and Harbours Department Stelling.This move came about after the owner of the Kool Breeze landing made some suggestions that did not go down well with the Bartica Speed Boat Association.Speed Boat operator/owner Orin Belle Orin Belle, a speedboat operator and owner, said that some of the new suggestions the owner of Kool Breeze came up with would have led to the formation of a new association which would have made him (Kool Breeze owner) the head.In addition, the businessman also indicated to the speedboat operators that he would be increasing his mooring fees from one thousand dollar per boat to $2,000. After much consideration and discussion, the speedboat operators held a meeting with their members and decided that they could not comply with the new demands.Belle explained that if they were to pay an increased mooring fee it would automatically have a trickle down effect on the passengers, which would mean passengers paying an increased fare.The association, this newspaper was told, following their meeting met with the owner of Kool Breeze but the man maintained that he was not changing his position. As such, the Association moved its entire operation to the Transport and Harbour Department Stelling.According to speedboat operators, although the Stelling is not quite up to standard it is much more convenient for them.Shortly after moving across to the new location, Belle said officials from the Transport and Harbours Department held a meeting with them and several issues were dealt with. These, he said, included the construction of a proper waiting area for passengers and a floating ramp for boats to moor.In the meantime, the operators are enjoying the services given to them by the T&HD. The association is calling for more collaboration from the Guyana Police Force as it relates to ensuring the security of passengers as well as residents of Bartica.Currently, there are people monitoring the intake of passengers heading to and from Bartica. However, operators are calling for the assistance of the police.Operators are recommending that at each mooring point at least one police officer is present to conduct a search. Among themselves, the operators have already discussed the idea of having metal detectors at the monitoring points as well.In the meantime, the operators say that they will continue to work with whatever resources they have to ensure the safety and security of passengers.