By Javone Vickerie | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — More than 200 passengers bound for Mabaruma and surrounding riverine communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) spent hours stranded aboard the ocean-going ferry M.V. Ma Lisha at the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown on Tuesday, August 4, facing growing uncertainty and food shortages as safety checks delayed the vessel’s departure until late into the night.
The ferry was originally scheduled to set sail during the afternoon. Instead, it remained docked alongside the wharf well into Tuesday night while safety inspections continued.
Poor Communication and Food Shortages Aboard
Passengers expressed growing frustration over the lack of timely updates regarding what was being inspected, how long the clearance would take, or when the vessel would depart:
- Reluctance to Leave Vessel: Many travelers were hesitant to disembark to purchase meals on shore, fearing the ferry might depart suddenly without warning.
- Depleted Canteen Supplies: Conditions grew particularly difficult for families traveling with young children after the vessel’s onboard canteen exhausted its food inventory.
[ M.V. MA LISHA DELAY & INSPECTION LOGISTICS ]
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[ Operational & Passenger Issues ] [ Parliamentary & Opposition Concerns ]
- 200+ passengers boarded hours before clearance - Dr. Campbell supports captain's refusal to sail unverified
- Onboard canteen exhausted food supplies - Opposition Leader Mohamed notes poor passenger communication
- Departure delayed from afternoon to late Tuesday night - Safety rigor heightened post-M.V. Barima disaster
Opposition Leaders Visit Wharf During Standoff
Hearing of the prolonged delay, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, and APNU Parliamentary Leader Dr. Terrence Campbell visited the Kingston Goods Wharf to inspect conditions and engage stranded travelers.
Dr. Terrence Campbell commended the ship’s captain for refusing to sail until safety checks were completed, but criticized the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for boarding passengers long before inspections were finalized:
“He wants to avoid a situation like what happened previously… if something is to go wrong,” Dr. Terrence Campbell stated during his visit to the wharf. “The captain was right not to sail until the vessel was considered safe, but the fundamental issue is why passengers were loaded hours before safety clearance was actually granted.”
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed made his way onto the vessel to speak directly with families:
“Because the canteen doesn’t have food… people are sitting here not knowing when this vessel will leave,” Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed remarked aboard the ship. “The same journey they have to take is stressful enough, and to have them sitting for hours without communication is taking advantage of people.”
Heightened Scrutiny Following M.V. Barima Disaster
The heightened inspection rigor comes weeks after the catastrophic capsizing of the M.V. Barima off the Essequibo Coast, which claimed 73 confirmed lives with at least 30 passengers remaining unaccounted for.
The M.V. Ma Lisha was eventually cleared by maritime inspectors and departed the Kingston Goods Wharf late Tuesday night. While safety officials prioritized passenger security, the incident highlighted continuing deficiencies in passenger care, departure planning, and crisis communication across Guyana’s public ferry network.
