Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 06, 2014 News
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has recorded 37 deaths, some resulting from boat collisions and from acts of piracy, last year.
Research has shown that the Pomeroon and Mazaruni Rivers are the deadliest channels, at one time recording a combined total of 19 river fatalities in two weeks.
Maritime officials have noted that this year, additional work will be conducted in these regions to target safety defaulters and curb the incidence of river accidents.
As part of its efforts to promote safety and reduce river causalities, MARAD is continuing distribution of safety gear (lifejackets).
On Saturday, the agency which operates under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works, distributed 600 lifejackets for children. The exercise took place at the Ministry of Local Government’s Boardroom, Kingston.
The lifejackets were presented to the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) of the 10 Administrative Regions by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, and Communications Officer of Maritime Administration Department, Akousa McPherson.
During the presentation ceremony, Minister Benn also expressed concern over the number of deaths that were reported last year.
Plans are in the pipeline for the agency to intensify its safety campaign in 2014.
Director of Maritime Safety, Stephen Thomas, has revealed that MARAD is in the process of developing a revised safety campaign through collaborative efforts from other agencies and stakeholders.
While he did not give the details of the campaign, Thomas said that this year a series of safety campaigns will be launched.
Kaieteur News understands that consideration will be given to the implementation of more stringent safety regulations in areas that depend heavily on river transportation.
“We will be taking our campaign countrywide…distributing safety equipment and promoting overall safety for those traversing the waterways. However, there is a need for stricter penalties, which will assist in the enforcement of safety regulation,” an official from the department explained.
Within recent years, the campaign has targeted Bartica, Supenaam and Charity, Georgetown, and Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika Stellings.
Maritime officials had moved to enforce adequate licensing of emergency equipment and the proper use of life jackets for boat operators and passengers.
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