The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), like many Guyanese, was simply astonished when it learnt of the intentions of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to hike its tolls, in a few days’ time, some by as much as 400 per cent. The substantial hike will impact a large number of Guyanese whether they are required to traverse the bridge or not.
Berbicians, especially of the thousands residing in Region #6, will be gravely affected. Already the region is reeling from the loss of thousands of jobs occasioned by the Administration’s short-sighted decision to close Rose Hall and Skeldon estates and the toll hike, we see, will put the region’s economy into a further tail spin. The toll hike comes on the heels of the draconian increases in fees for government services, the taxing of essential items, and the several other measures which have served to push the cost-of-living higher than the moon as it is. As we see it, no man, woman or child would be spared and the already high cost-of-living will jump astronomically. Without a doubt, the hike in the cost of goods and services may very well be out of the reach for many in a region which has been beleaguered by the policies of the Coalition Government. The situation could very well force many to migrate outside of the region in order to cope with the new circumstances of life in the region. Given the region’s importance to the agricultural sector, among other things, this will do the country no good. Moreover, given the dearth of job opportunities in many towns and villages such tolls hikes could very present a new host of problems for residents.
For those of us who may not be required to utilize the bridge we should not think that we will not be unaffected. With the large quantity of agricultural produce coming from Region Six, the new toll costs will be passed on to us in higher prices for the food we purchase. For our nation’s workers, confronted by an already too high cost-of-living, such increases would only add to the nightmare of contemporary life in Guyana. Already our workers backs are against the wall and they require measures that lessen not increase the burdens of life.
The Berbice Bridge, in our view, was a wise investment and brought to reality a dream of the Guyanese people, especially Berbicians, who for decades had to contend with an inefficient ferry system. The advent of the bridge brought us as Guyanese closer together and the now critical link opened several doors for our economy. This proud piece of infrastructure has facilitated travelling to the Ancient County and any measure that threatens to undermine such progress is unacceptable.
While FITUG cannot agree with a hike to the tolls and we noted that similar sentiments came from both the Government and the Parliamentary Opposition, at the same time, we cannot be deaf to the dire straits the BBCI has found itself. From media reports, the Federation is aware of the large indebtedness the Company has to its investors including the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). This further heightens our concerns recognizing that should the status-quo remain and the Bridge in unable to reach its obligations, our workers, without a doubt, stand to be affected. Some workers could be doubly affected as their pension savings, which have been invested in the bridge, could also be lost. This for us is simply an unacceptable proposition.
We recognise too that the BBCI has been seeking for some time now to engage the Administration on measures to avert what is now impending. Sadly, we have heard from the Bridge that its attempts, on several occasions, have simply been ignored. It seems, from all appearances, the Government is unconcerned about consequences of its stonewalling. In recent days, we have seen the Administration engaging in an active media campaign, which has its political hints, in denouncing the BBCI proposed increases. On this score, we urge the Coalition, which had promised to halve the tolls, to end its childish propaganda games and get serious in addressing a matter which has several serious consequences. The Government, which is elected to lead, should demonstrate genuine leadership and without further delay sit with the executives of the BBCI and engage in sober discussions on measures to avert the toll rise. IT IS TIME for the Government to get serious and end its petty politicking.
