A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul has written the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, requesting a status report on the process for the salvaging of the MV Barima.

In keeping with its commitment to salvage the vessel, which sank off the Coast of Essequibo on July 18 with more than 179 persons on board, the Government invited salvage firms to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to retrieve the vessel. An August 14, 2026 deadline was set for submissions.

In an interview with reporters today, MP Mahipaul said it is now 10 days since the deadline passed for the submissions of Expressions of Interest for the salvaging of the vessel, and there has been no information on the number of bids submitted, and by whom.

In his correspondence today to the Utilities Minister, MP Mahipaul asked that the information be provided.

“Ten days ago this process – the Expressions of Interest ended – and within 10 days, the Government can’t tell us who are the companies they have received Expressions of Interest from; they can’t tell us which are the companies they engaging in terms of suitability to do the work; they can’t tell us nothing. It is like everything has gone blank,” MP Mahipaul said.

He said the blackout of information is unacceptable. He said country deserves to know, and the Government owes the people a full and timely update, not silence.

“You see Irfaan Ali at Lake Mainstay Resort having a nice; you see the government ministers all over at different functions and it is as though the Government wants us to forget the MV Barima tragedy happened, and I am simply saying, we cannot afford to treat it as that. We have to press this Government to provide the nation with information. After 10 days we can’t get to know which company was engaged in the salvaging of the MV Barima. It is a serious matter, and we should not take it lightly,” MP Mahipaul said.

In a social media post over the weekend, MP Mahipaul said MV Barima represents one of the greatest maritime disasters in Guyana’s history, with more than 100 lives lost in a single tragedy. He said behind every number is a mother, father, child, spouse, sibling, friend or loved one who is mourning, waiting for answers and hoping for closure.

He said the dead deserve dignity and the families deserve closure.

In addressing the issue on the closing day for submissions, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the submissions must first be processed and evaluated before a determination is made.

Guyanese from all walks of life have been pressing Government to salvage the vessel. To date more than 30 bodies remain missing. A total of 73 persons already been confirmed dead. Only 76 persons were rescued.

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