Despite mounting calls by speedboat operators, who ply the Vreed-En-Hoop to Georgetown for a fare increase, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill made it clear that this cannot be granted at this time.
Minister Edghill made this assertion during a press conference held at his Ministry’s Boardroom on Wednesday.
“What is happening is our world is just not a Guyana problem or a speedboat problem or a minibus problem, it’s a global problem, and we have to be our brother’s keeper. We have to be sensitive, and we have to be responsive in these matters, so at this particular time, the answer to increases is no,” the Minister said.
The speedboat operators, who have been calling for an increase from $100 to $120, have bemoaned high gas prices as well as the high cost of living as reasons for the raise.
However, Edghill explained that the government is subsidising electricity and water for the speedboat operators and all Guyanese. He added that the government even removed the taxes on fuel.
Edghill added, “You could only get more if the people want to pay more, but we have advised the people, you have no right paying more. Not at this time. It is not an opportune time, we have to be sensitive, and we have to be our brother’s keeper.”
During an interview with MTV News Update on Tuesday, the speedboat operators threatened to strike if an increase was not given while arguing that an increase was not facilitated for the past decade.
