Free transport to Fort Island for Independence Day celebrations

What this source establishes

The government announced free state-provided ferry transport to Fort Island for the 60th Independence flag-raising ceremony, run by the Ministry of Public Works with MARAD and announced by Minister Juan Edghill

Key claims

• The government announced free state-provided ferry transport to Fort Island for the 60th Independence flag-raising ceremony, run by the Ministry of Public Works with MARAD and announced by Minister Juan Edghill
• The MV Kanawan was to carry Region Two residents from the Essequibo Coast, departing 18:00
• An unnamed vessel was to carry approximately 400 VIPs from Parika departing 19:00, plus 1,000 people on the vehicle deck
• A further unnamed vessel was to depart Parika at 19:30 for Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10
• The MV Konawaruk 1899 was to depart Parika at 19:45; the release gives a figure of approximately 2,500 passengers
• CRITICAL: the release states 'No vehicles will be permitted aboard the vessels.' Passengers were to park at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora and be shuttled by bus to Parika
• [CONTESTED] The 2,500 figure for the Konawaruk 1899 cannot be reconciled with its commissioned capacity of roughly 300 to 400 passengers; it may be an aggregate across vessels and trips

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