Rebuild the railways that were scrapped

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

I was very elated when I read in the news about the plan to have railways between Guyana and Brazil. This shows that the authorities are serious about transforming Guyana into being a modern country.

When we look around the world, most developed countries have railways. As a matter of fact, the railway is one of their main modes of transportation, and Europe is a perfect example of this. Being born in Guyana, I have no experience using trains. I should mention, though, that Guyana was the first country in South America to have railways, but unfortunately they were scrapped.

After reading an article in your newspaper which states that President Jagdeo hinted that there is a possibility of the reintroduction of railways in Guyana, and also hearing in the news that the head of state is having discussions with engineers and financiers to build a railway between Boa Vista in Brazil and Georgetown in Guyana, I proceeded to do some research on railways, as I was fascinated by the prospect. I learnt that railways play a crucial role in transportation because they are cheap, safe, and help to ease traffic blockage on the roads. This is why I think railways would be the ideal mode of transportation in today’s world. Also, I believe it would be the answer to the steady rise in fuel prices which we are faced with currently.

Guyana and Brazil have bridged their borders, while Guyana and Suriname are on the verge of doing the same.

If railways are built among these countries, the massive potential for trade and tourism between them would be realised. However, although it is good that the government is considering building railways between Guyana and other countries, I think the authorities should first rebuild the railways that were scrapped within the country. To have allowed them to crumble was obviously a big mistake; because today, many citizens depend heavily on cheap and reliable public transportation.

Yours,

Althea King

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