HGP Nightly News – Region One community leader Chris Debideen is calling for Guyana’s ageing state-operated ferries to be replaced with a modern, faster and passenger-focused fleet, arguing that the country’s economic expansion has not translated into safe and dignified transportation for riverain communities.
Debideen, Chairman of the Aruau Community Development Council in the Mabaruma sub-region, made the appeal during the Amerindian Peoples Association’s “Ina Maimu Yetatokon”, “Listen to Our Voices”, conference on August 14.
“We cannot be one of the fastest-growing economies and have our people punishing on a ferry,” he declared.
His comments follow the MV Barima disaster, which intensified national scrutiny of the condition, management and oversight of government-operated vessels serving Region One.
Debideen said families affected by maritime tragedies deserve more than expressions of sympathy.
“When tragedy happens, our people deserve more than condolences. They deserve answers, transparency and accountability, and the families deserve closure,” he said.
Drawing on his own travelling experiences, Debideen recalled severe congestion aboard the MV Barima, claiming passengers were sometimes forced to sleep along walkways, in areas exposed to water washing across the deck and near the vessel’s upper structures because proper accommodation was unavailable.
He also recounted being aboard the MV Kimbia when a fire reportedly erupted while the vessel was at sea and an engine stopped operating.
“All I could remember was fire in the boat and smoke, and crew members with their fire extinguishers,” Debideen said. “Every passenger ran to the bow. You were inside a big ocean with waves hitting the boat.”
According to him, the vessel eventually completed the voyage using one engine. He argued that the experience illustrated the danger of depending on temporary solutions to keep ageing ferries operating.
Debideen also highlighted the prolonged delays passengers frequently experience while waiting for cargo to be loaded and unloaded.
He said vessels scheduled to depart in the morning sometimes remain at the wharf until late at night, leaving families—including single mothers travelling with young children—without clear information or adequate accommodation.
“Our people should not have to spend hours waiting while cargo is loaded, unloaded, loaded and unloaded before they can travel,” he said.
Debideen called for vessels designed primarily around passenger safety, comfort and timely travel, with suitable arrangements for personal luggage and cargo.
The government has maintained that it continues to invest in ferry rehabilitation and new maritime infrastructure. However, the MV Barima disaster and subsequent operational problems have renewed demands for faster replacement of ageing vessels and stronger enforcement of safety standards.
Debideen urged Indigenous communities to continue advocating for equitable access to transportation, healthcare and other public services without fear of victimisation.
“Justice is not a favour given to Indigenous people,” he said. “Justice is our right, healthcare is our right, safe transportation is our right, and dignity is our right.”
