Dear Editor,
I recently travelled on the Perle Express Ferry from St. Lucia to Guadeloupe. The ferry makes stops in Martinique and Dominica, with a total sailing time of approximately six to eight hours.
This is not a cruise ship. It is a passenger ferry. Yet the first thing I noticed when I came on board was the emphasis on safety. I saw the life jackets and lifeboats, and I immediately felt safe.
The next thing I noticed was the speed of the vessel. Despite the rough conditions of the Atlantic Ocean, the ride has been remarkably smooth.
As I sat on this ferry, I couldn’t help thinking about the ferry ride I took in Guyana and the recent tragedy in which a ferry sank and lives were lost.
I remember traveling with the same ferry to Region One and often feeling unsafe. I sometimes questioned whether the vessel was properly designed and equipped to handle the conditions of the Atlantic Ocean. The rides could be difficult and uncomfortable, but I continued taking them because I have always enjoyed adventure.
My experience on the Perle Express has made me wonder: Why can’t Guyana have a ferry built specifically to operate safely in the Atlantic Ocean?
I strongly encourage the Government of Guyana to seriously consider acquiring or investing in a modern ferry of this type—one designed, equipped, and certified to operate safely in the demanding conditions of our waters.
Guyana has an enormous coastline, and for many citizens, ferries are not a luxury. They are an essential part of transportation and connecting communities.
We should not wait for another tragedy before demanding better vessels, better safety standards, and better protection for passengers.
Having experienced the difference firsthand, I believe Guyanese deserve a ferry service that gives passengers the same feeling I had on this ferry: that when we step on board, our safety comes first.
Yours faithfully,
Anthony Pantlitz
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