Guyana President addresses MV Barima salvage bids

President Irfaan Ali has addressed the ongoing salvage efforts for the MV Barima, a passenger and cargo ferry that sank off the Essequibo Coast on July 18. The tragedy resulted in at least 73 confirmed deaths, with many others reported missing.

During a meeting with the Guyanese diaspora in New York, President Ali stated that the government is currently re-evaluating bids from three companies to recover the vessel. He emphasized that the selection is following a public process to ensure transparency and avoid accusations of favoritism.

The three bidders are BK International Inc., which submitted a proposal for $1.034 billion; Industrial Fabrication Inc. (InFab), with a bid of $1.895 billion; and the Netherlands-based KMS BV, which proposed $2.035 billion.

The salvage operation is expected to support the Commission of Inquiry investigating the sinking. The selected contractor will be required to preserve forensic evidence to assist the commission's findings. President Ali maintained that the government will not interfere with the commission's work.