New ferry, service centre for Region Seven – Pres Ali announces

Residents of Region Seven can expect major upgrades to connectivity and government service delivery, as President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday announced the procurement of a second boat for the Parika-Bartica route and the launch of a government service centre in Bartica.

The announcements were made during the president’s visit to the community of Karrau Village on Sunday. President Ali was accompanied by Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally.

The president said the new vessel would ease travel along the Parika-Bartica corridor, which he acknowledged has long posed significant challenges for commuters. The ferry will join an existing service already operating on the route.

Speaking about the forthcoming government service centre, the president said it would be fully operational within a month and would offer a wide range of government services directly to residents of the region.

With the new facility, citizens will be able to access GRA services, national identification cards, NIS, immigration, licensing, and birth certificates at one spot without having to travel to the capital.

“You want a passport, you go there. You want your ID, you go there. Everything will be at Bartica,” President Ali said.

Toshao Shane Cornelius of Karrau village will head the new government service centre.

The president also touched on ongoing infrastructure investments in Region Seven, including the Sand Hill Road leading into Bartica, and noted that a full assessment is underway to determine the best electricity solution for the village.

President Ali framed Region Seven as a priority area, citing its significance to the mining sector, as well as forestry and tourism development.

He also announced that the village will soon receive a permanent dentist attached to the Karrau Health Centre. A dental chair has already been purchased and is being installed. [Department of Public Information]