Extensive changes are underway to address longstanding issues of negligence, mismanagement and accountability within the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD). Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill said last Friday that there will be wide-ranging changes in the department’s management.
During a walk-through of the Kingston Goods Wharf, he stated “The destruction of government property as a result of negligence [and] the destruction of private property while being transported by government vessels would no longer be tolerated.”
All personnel, including engineers, captains, security staff and managers, will be held accountable for their actions to bring an end to shipping losses and damage to infrastructure, a report from the government-run Department of Public Information said.
The Guyana Standard understands that one major area of concern is the maintenance of government vessels, with one in particular – the MV Hercules – which suffered engine damage due to the failure of routine checks.
Reports indicate that an engineer, based on the vessel who is responsible for overseeing these checks, neglected his duties.
“That engineer is being sent home and the finality of that decision would be pending while some other things are being done,” the minister was quoted as saying.
Remedial measures are also being taken following an accident in Bartica where a truck slipped while disembarking the MV Malali.
The minister stated that a proposed action includes rotating staff who have held positions for long periods, which has led to complacency. The restructuring seeks to ensure all employees remain committed to their responsibilities.
Upon examining the project’s advancement, Minister Edghill extended heartfelt gratitude to BK International for allowing the T&HD to utilise its facility at no cost from November 30 to the end of February while construction was underway at the Kingston Goods Wharf.
