Boat owners who transport passengers on various routes are reportedly demanding a boat fare hike. The boat fare is currently at SRD 13. The boat owners criticized the government for raising the bus fares in December but leaving the boat fares at the same level. They pointed out that they were abandoned.

“We have to keep our boats in top shape in order to guarantee the safety of the passengers. The new bus fares must be based on the current prices for foreign currencies, the fuel prices and the costs for maintenance. We make a significant contribution to the economy by transporting passengers to and from the Commewijne District. We do not want to go on strike because that would leave many people stranded. We want a new boat fare and we are not interested in fuel compensation,” said one of the boat owners.

The boat owners want their union, namely the VBBC, to hold a union meeting as soon as possible so that the problems of the boat transportation sector can be discussed. They complained that they can no longer stay afloat with the current boat fares. “We can no longer make ends meet,” said the boat owners. The boat owners want the boat fares to be in accordance with the current situation on the market. They explained that they have to wait too long for the fuel compensation or state subsidy and that the money has lost its value when they finally receive it.