(Kaieteur News) – Highlighting the contrast between Guyana’s rapid economic expansion and the harsh daily realities of interior travel, Region One, leader Chris Debideen has issued a passionate call for the government to overhaul the country’s river transport system and replace aging vessels with a modern, reliable, and faster passenger fleet.

Speaking at the Ina Maimu Yetatokon (“Listen to Our Voices”) conference hosted by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) on 14th August, Debideen said safe transport for riverain communities is a fundamental right, not a luxury.

“We cannot be one of the fastest growing economies and we have our people punishing on a ferry,” Debideen said, addressing the audience. “When the tragedy happens, our people deserve more than condolences. They deserve answers, they deserve transparency, they deserve accountability, and the family deserves closure.”