Today a Transport and Harbours Advisory Council was inducted. The Members of the Council, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure [MPI], include: Mr. Basil Blackman – Chairman; Ms. Marclene Merchant – Deputy Chair; Ms. Ayesha Edwards; Mr. Leon Castello; Ms. Louise Williams; Ms. Sandra Jones; and Mr. Saheed Sulaman.
The Council will serve for a period of two years with a mandate to raise the level of standard within the Transport and Harbour Department.
The newly installed members of the Council in the company of Minister Annette Ferguson [third from right].
In her charge to the members, Minister Ferguson noted the importance of riverine transport for economic, social, and education purposes.
“Given the geography of Guyana and the population distribution across the country, riverine transport services will still be needed for the foreseeable future. However, I believe there is much improvement that is necessary and there is need to modernise the services to improve people’s travelling experience,” said Minister Ferguson.
It has been almost 19 years ago that a former Council became inactive.
According to Chairman of the Council, Mr. Blackman not only is the new Council competent but he committed himself to executing his charged mandate to the best of his abilities. “I will do my best to ensure that there are ample provisions and efficiency in the newly resuscitated Transport Advisory Council,” assured Blackman.