Gov’t must acquire a modern ferry of this type for Atlantic travels — Anthony Pantlitz — Opinion

Gov’t must acquire a modern ferry of this type for Atlantic travels

September 9, 2026·1 min read

Published in

Kiskadee Watch ·Sep 9, 2026

Dear Editor,

I recently travelled on the Perle Express Ferry from St. Lucia to Guadeloupe. The ferry makes stops in Martinique and Dominica, with a total sailing time of approximately six to eight hours.

This is not a cruise ship. It is a passenger ferry. Yet the first thing I noticed when I came on board was the emphasis on safety. I saw the life jackets and lifeboats, and I immediately felt safe.

The next thing I noticed was the speed of the vessel. Despite the rough conditions of the Atlantic Ocean, the ride has been remarkably smooth.

As I sat on this ferry, I couldn’t help thinking about the ferry ride I took in Guyana and the recent tragedy in which a ferry sank and lives were lost^[1].

I remember traveling with the same ferry to Region One and often feeling unsafe. I sometimes questioned whether the vessel was properly designed and equipped to handle the conditions of the Atlantic Ocean. The rides could be difficult and uncomfortable, but I continued taking them because I have always enjoyed adventure.

My experience on the Perle Express has made me wonder: Why can’t Guyana have a ferry built specifically to operate safely in the Atlantic Ocean?

I strongly encourage the Government of Guyana to seriously consider acquiring or investing in a modern ferry of this type—one designed, equipped, and certified to operate safely in the demanding conditions of our waters.

Guyana has an enormous coastline, and for many citizens, ferries are not a luxury. They are an essential part of transportation and connecting communities.

We should not wait for another tragedy before demanding better vessels, better safety standards, and better protection for passengers.

Having experienced the difference firsthand, I believe Guyanese deserve a ferry service that gives passengers the same feeling I had on this ferry: that when we step on board, our safety comes first.

Yours faithfully,
Anthony Pantlitz

References

Tender Board opens bids for salvaging of MV Barima; Details to be released - News Source Guyana — newssourcegy.com ↩

Tender Board opens bids for salvaging of MV Barima; Details to be released - News Source Guyana

newssourcegy.com · 2026-09-08

# Tender Board opens bids for salvaging of MV Barima; Details to be released - News Source Guyana Author: News Source Guyana Published: 2026-09-08T22:40:38+00:00 Source: newssourcegy.com (newssourcegy.com) Language: en ## Story Tender Board opens bids for salvaging of MV Barima; Details to be released - News Source Guyana Prev post: MV Barima COI lacks Indigenous and Human Rights Experts – says Activist Laura George Go to homepage # Tender Board opens bids for salvaging of MV Barima; Details to be released The National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA) today opened bids submitted by companies interested in salvaging the MV Barima, a source close to the process told News Source. Salvage firms were invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to retrieve the vessel, which sank off the Essequibo Coast on July 18, 2026, claiming the lives of more than 100 people. As of press time, the Procurement and Tender Administration had not published the minutes of today’s tender opening. The information, however, is expected to be published in the coming days. In a statement today, Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, criticised the Government over what he described as “a lack of urgency and transparency” surrounding the salvage process. He noted that today marked 25 days since the August 14 deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest. According to Mahipaul, the Government’s silence on the issue is concerning. “This is wickedness. This is shameless behaviour. This is an insult to the intelligence and dignity of the Guyanese people. Evil to say the least is how this Government is choosing to treat the families of more than 100 people who lost their lives,” MP Mahipaul said. The APNU Member of Parliament said the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima with more than 179 people on board, represents the largest tragedy in modern Guyana. He argued that Guyanese should be kept informed at every stage of the process. “More than 100 lives were lost. Families were shattered. Children lost parents. Parents lost children. Husbands and wives lost each other. Yet, instead of treating the recovery of the MV Barima as an urgent national priority, the PPP Government has allowed 25 days to pass without the families knowing about the salvager. What kind of Government does this? What kind of leadership is this? Where is the urgency? Where is the transparency? Where is the respect for the dead and their grieving families? The Government owes Guyanese a proper explanation for this disgraceful delay,” MP Mahipaul said. Mahipaul also questioned whether the delay in releasing information on the salvage process is part of a delaying tactic. “There have already been serious questions about the vessel, including questions about its condition and seaworthiness. Those questions must be answered by evidence. But if evidence is allowed to deteriorate while the Government drags its feet, then the public has every right to question why. The PPP Government cannot claim to want the truth while behaving as though recovering the most important piece of evidence in this tragedy is an inconvenience. This is beyond incompetence. It is political wickedness. It is gross disrespect. It is shameless. And it is an insult to every Guyanese who wants answers,” MP Mahipaul said. He said those who died in the tragedy deserve dignity, while their families deserve closure. ### Related posts: Mahipaul presses for Government to release information on salvaging of MV Barima Bids for salvaging of MV Barima to be processed and evaluated -PM Phillips Mahipaul says Government’s decision to seek tenders for salvaging of MV Barima lacks urgency Government launches tender for salvaging of MV Barima ↑ Return To The Top © 2013 - 2017 New Source Guyana | Website by Tanika S Jones