By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The parliamentary opposition has expressed deep concern over the lack of public information surrounding state efforts to salvage the sunken M.V. Barima, noting that more than ten days have passed since the deadline for Expressions of Interest (EoI) closed without any update on whether a marine salvage contractor has been selected.
The passenger and cargo vessel capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast on July 18, 2026, with an estimated 179 persons on board. To date, 73 persons have been confirmed dead, 76 were rescued, and 30 passengers remain missing at sea.
Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul to Formally Write Minister Deodat Indar
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul announced that he intends to dispatch a formal letter to Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, seeking full transparency on the status of the procurement and salvage process.
According to the opposition, the public, the National Assembly, and grieving families are entitled to complete disclosure on key aspects of the operation:
- Bidding Submissions: The total number and identity of marine salvage firms that submitted bids by the August 14 closing date.
- Technical Evaluation & Shortlisting: Which companies met the technical evaluation criteria set by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
- Contractor Selection & Timelines: Whether a preferred contractor has been identified, the terms of negotiations, and the projected mobilization date to begin raising the wreck.
“Ten days have passed since the close of the Expression of Interest for the salvaging of the MV Barima, and the Government of Guyana has still not told the nation what is happening. This is unacceptable,” Mahipaul stated. “Behind every number is a mother, father, child, spouse, sibling, friend, or loved one who is mourning, waiting for answers and hoping for closure. The families deserve answers. The nation deserves answers.”
Concerns Over Urgency and Accountability
Mahipaul criticized the administration for what he characterized as a loss of urgency following the initial disaster response.
- Sustaining Official Focus: The APNU parliamentarian questioned whether initial ministerial visits to Charity, Essequibo, attendance at funerals, and public assurances of swift action have translated into concrete operational results.
- Humanitarian and Forensic Importance: The opposition stressed that salvaging the hull is critical not only to provide closure and dignified burials for families of the missing, but also to secure essential forensic evidence for the international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and ongoing judicial proceedings.
