The Alliance For Change (AFC) has issued a for an urgent resolution of the strike action taken by speed boat operators in the Vreed-en-Hoop – Stabroek route, which the party says has negatively affected businesses and commuters in the Region Three area.

In a statement today, the AFC said hundreds of people commuting between Region #3 and Region #4 using the speedboat service are affected by the strike action and are now forced to use the Demerara Harbour Bridge. 

 In addition, the AFC said the situation has increased an already overcrowded problem on the East Band and West Bank of Demerara public roads.

To address the ongoing issue the AFC wants the government to waive the current landing fee for speedboat operators.

“It is no secret that speedboat operators are charged $1500 daily for docking fees and other services. This requirement for many operators presents a challenge as inflation, and other operational expenses consume much of the paltry earnings. We would, therefore, encourage the government to examine the possibility of offering a workable waiver of the landing fees to ease the burden on the operators,” the AFC said in a statement.

In addition, the AFC has recommended a $1000 per day fuel credit redeemable at GUYOIL to each registered speedboat operator be instituted.

“Besides the travelling hardships resulting from the strike, the business environment at Vreed-en-Hoop is also negatively affected. Many businesses along the Vreed-en-Hoop – Stelling Road stretch are experiencing reduced activities due to lower-than-expected consumer support. An illustration of this can be seen at the many food stalls, beverage carts, fruit and vegetable stands, and other ad-hoc wares showing a low turnout of consumers,” the AFC has observed.

The AFC said that minibus operators will also be affected with the strike action and sees the potential for buses to be overcrowded while transporting passengers.

The speedboat operators started their strike action on Friday, forcing the Government to call out the Coast Guard to assist with the movement of commuters across the river.

The operators have been pressing for a $20 increase to the current fare, indicating that they have not increased their fares for over five years, despite the rising cost of living and the increases in maintenance services.

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