The new ferry that will be plying the Georgetown to Region One route will also be used to ferry fresh produce and goods to Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean islands, the Government has announced.

The new ferry, M.V Ma Lisha, which was built in India, was commissioned on Sunday in the presence of the Indian Minister of External Affairs, who was on an official visit to Guyana.

“This vessel opens up opportunities for food production, value-added food production and economic opportunities for the people of Region One. We are celebrating the launching of a vessel that will serve the people of Region One, but we are launching a vessel that will serve the economic transformation and modernisation of Guyana, one that will serve the building out of Guyana as a major centre for food production,” President Ali said at the Commissioning.

He also noted that with the new vessel significantly reducing the travel time between Georgetown and Region 1, the Government will be in a better position to make more services accessible to the communities in Region 1.

The US$ 12.7 million ferry is equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi access, and can carry 276 passengers, 18 crew members, and 14 sedan-type vehicles along with two trucks, according to the Department of Public Information.

President Ali added, “This vessel will also reduce the operating costs for the Transport and Harbours Department. This will improve efficiency, reliability, while at the same time bringing a higher level of service to the people of these regions.”

Online bookings for the vessel will be implemented soon.

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