Procurement process for ferry salvager continuing- Ali

Last Updated on Monday, 31 August 2026, 21:56 by Denis Chabrol

President Irfaan Ali on Monday said several companies that have been shortlisted to salvage the ferry, MV Barima, that sank in July would next week propose how much they want to charge for the job.

“I am advised that the shortlist is completed based on the expression of interest and priced proposals from shortlisted bidders are to be submitted in one week,” he told Demerara Waves Online News briefly by text.

Earlier August, Dr Ali had said about 10 companies had submitted expressions of interest by the August 14 deadline. However, on Monday he did not say if there was an updated figure and how many were shortlisted to raise the vessel for the Commission of Inquiry.

The MV Barima sank on July 19 about 10 miles off the Essequibo coast enroute from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Of the estimated 179 passengers and crew, authorities said 76 persons were rescued and the bodies of 72 others recovered.

The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has repeatedly called for details about the expression of interest process that closed on August 14, 2026. However, none has been provided.

The presidential commission of inquiry into the incident is yet to begin public hearings. The vessel’s captain, first mate and the goods superintendent of the Transport and Harbours Department have been charged with murder,