Ten days have passed since the close of the Expression of Interest for the savaging of the MV Barima, and the Government of Guyana has still not told the nation what is happening. This is unacceptable.
We are talking about one of the greatest maritime disasters in Guyana’s history, with more than 100 lives lost in a single tragedy. Behind every number is a mother, father, child, spouse, sibling, friend or loved one who is mourning, waiting for answers and hoping for closure.
Yet, ten days after companies were invited to express interest in salvaging the vessel, the Government remains silent. What is going on?
How many companies submitted Expressions of Interest? How many met the evaluation criteria? How many were shortlisted? Has a company been selected? When will the salvage operation begin? The families deserve answers. The nation deserves answers.
It also begs some very serious questions.
Was it all a sham when President Irfaan Ali spent days in Charity?Was it all a sham when Ministers attended funerals and publicly expressed solidarity with grieving families? Was it all a sham when Prime Minister Mark Phillips held press conferences and assured the nation that everything possible would be done? Or has the Government already moved on and simply hopes that the MV Barima tragedy will fade from public memory? We must not forget.
The dead deserve dignity. The families deserve closure. The country deserves to know. And the Government owes the people a full and timely update, not silence.
Tell us something, Government of Guyana!
What is happening with the salvaging of the MV Barima? The families are waiting. Guyana is waiting.
We demand answers.
Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P.
