HGP Nightly News – The MV Ma Lisha departed for Region One late Tuesday night following hours of safety inspections that left more than 200 passengers waiting aboard the vessel with little information about when they would sail.
The ferry had been scheduled to leave the Kingston Goods Wharf during the afternoon for Mabaruma and other communities, but remained docked well into the night.
Passengers complained that few updates were provided as the delay stretched on. Several said they were hesitant to leave the ferry to purchase food because they feared it might depart without them.
Conditions became more difficult for families travelling with children after the vessel’s canteen reportedly ran out of supplies, leaving some passengers without adequate food.
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and APNU Parliamentary Leader Dr. Terrence Campbell visited the wharf during the delay.
Campbell said he supported the captain’s reported decision not to leave until the vessel was considered safe. He questioned, however, why passengers had been allowed to board several hours before the inspections were completed and the ferry was ready to sail.
The vessel eventually departed later that night.
The disruption came weeks after the MV Barima disaster, which left 73 people confirmed dead and at least 30 others unaccounted for, based on figures previously released by the authorities.
That tragedy has placed Guyana’s ferry operations under intense scrutiny, particularly the condition of vessels, passenger and cargo management, safety inspections and communication during emergencies.
While the decision to complete the necessary checks before sailing placed safety first, the extended wait aboard the vessel exposed shortcomings in planning and passenger care.
The incident has renewed calls for clearer departure procedures, timely updates and adequate provisions for passengers whenever inspections or other operational problems cause lengthy delays.
