Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips says the Government’s decision on whether to salvage the sunken MV Barima or leave it underwater as a memorial site will be guided by the wishes of the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday evening, Phillips rejected suggestions that the Government is encouraging families to leave the vessel submerged to conceal evidence.
“The Government has nothing to hide,” he said when asked whether officials were steering families away from supporting a salvage operation.
The Prime Minister was also questioned about whether recovering the vessel could uncover evidence that may explain the deaths of more than 70 passengers. In response, he reiterated that the next course of action will ultimately be determined by the affected families.
He stressed that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will proceed regardless of whether the vessel is recovered from the seabed.
According to the Prime Minister, several “reputable” salvage companies from “around the globe” have already expressed an interest in recovering the vessel. However, he said he was unable to identify those companies at the Press Conference.
Phillips also noted that the condition of the vessel continues to deteriorate the longer it remains submerged, explaining that strong undercurrents are depositing mud around and inside the wreck, causing it to sink further.
The MV Barima capsized more than a week ago while carrying more than 110 passengers. More than 70 bodies have been recovered, with more believed to be trapped in the vessel below.
The Prime Minister said that Guyanese should remain patient, hinging answers on the CoI. The government has also gone back on its word to issue documents regarding the specs of the vessel and the maintenance records to the media. Those are still being compiled, the Prime Minister said, and will be provided to the CoI.
