APNU parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul on Saturday accused the government of displaying a lack of urgency in recovering the wreck of the MV Barima, saying that an invitation for salvage proposals with an August 14 deadline could result in the operation not beginning until late August or September.
Mahipaul’s statement followed the publication of an advertisement by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) inviting expressions of interest from marine salvage contractors.
He argued that after submissions close, the government would still have to evaluate them, shortlist contractors, award a contract, execute an agreement and allow the successful company to mobilise personnel and equipment.
“That timeline is simply unacceptable,” Mahipaul said, contending that families were still grieving and survivors continued to relive the trauma of the July 18 disaster.
He said that leaving the vessel submerged for several more weeks could result in the deterioration or compromising of evidence needed by the Commission of Inquiry, law enforcement authorities and marine investigators.
“Salt water is unforgiving. Mechanical systems corrode, electronic equipment deteriorates, structural evidence changes over time, and materials that may assist investigators can be permanently damaged,” he stated.
Mahipaul argued that the country’s procurement laws provide for emergency procurement in exceptional circumstances and that the MV Barima disaster warranted the use of those provisions.
He pointed out that the administration resorted to sole sourcing and emergency procurement for projects that were less urgent, citing the acquisition of the MV Hercules and unspecified infrastructure works.
“The Government should immediately abandon this unnecessarily prolonged procurement process and utilise every lawful emergency procurement mechanism available to expedite the salvage of the MV Barima,” he said.
Mahipaul also pointed to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s public offer to arrange for an international marine salvage company to raise the wreck at no cost to taxpayers.
He questioned why the government had not accepted the offer or pursued another lawful arrangement that would permit the vessel to be recovered sooner.
“Why? What is the Government afraid of? Why is there such reluctance to recover the vessel as quickly as possible?” Mahipaul asked.
The advertisement came after the government distributed a document to relatives of the missing seeking their views on whether the wreck should remain on the seabed and be designated as a memorial site.
The document, titled “Declaration of Agreement – MV Barima as Memorial Site”, asked relatives to indicate their agreement that the vessel remain undisturbed as the final resting place of those still missing.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips subsequently said during a press briefing that the families would decide whether the wreck should be raised or whether the site should be designated as a memorial. He did not acknowledge Mohamed’s offer during that press briefing.
It is unclear whether the views sought from the families have been collected or whether a decision has been made on the memorial proposal. The MARAD advertisement, however, now seeks contractors for the vessel’s salvage.
Mahipaul said that beyond preserving evidence, recovering the wreck was important to families seeking answers, accountability and closure.
“This is not simply another government contract. This is about justice. This is about accountability. This is about respect for the dead and compassion for the living,” he said.
“History will judge not only the tragedy itself, but also how this Government responded in its aftermath. Unfortunately, this latest decision reflects a troubling absence of urgency, compassion and leadership at a time when the nation expected all three,” Mahipaul said.
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