Dear Editor,
It appears that the PPP/C Administration continues to unveil a stream of ambitious promises, often announced at public events, concerts, and outreach meetings. Most recently, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, during a concert organized by the PPP/C in Region 2, His Excellency President Irfaan Ali revealed that a new ferry service would soon become operational. According to a report by the Department of Public Information (DPI) dated June 29, 2025, the President claimed that a contract has already been signed to facilitate this initiative (Department of Public Information, 2025).
While infrastructural upgrades, particularly in the transportation sector, are undoubtedly beneficial, this announcement raises a series of critical questions, especially in light of the absence of such a project in the 2025 National Budget. A thorough review of the budget estimates reveals no allocated funds for the acquisition or construction of a new ferry, either under capital projects or procurement expenditure (Ministry of Finance, Budget Estimates 2025).
As a result, I am compelled to ask the following:
- From which budgetary source is this ferry being funded?
- Was there a public tendering process, and if so, when and where was it advertised?
- What are the terms and conditions of the signed contract, and which company was awarded the project?
- What is the estimated cost of this vessel?
- Is there a design or technical specification available for public scrutiny?
- Where is the vessel being built, and by whom?
- When was the contract signed, and when is the vessel expected to arrive in Georgetown?
- Has a feasibility study or cost-benefit analysis been conducted?
- Is the new ferry intended to replace an existing vessel currently operating along the Essequibo River?
These questions are not unreasonable. In fact, they reflect the very concerns of a populace eager for responsible governance, transparency, and value for money.
It is worth recalling that over a decade ago, the MV Kanawan and MV Sabanto were introduced to service the Parika–Supenaam route. These vessels were gifts from the Chinese Government. However, under closer scrutiny during the tenure of the Coalition Government post-2015, they were found to be grossly inefficient, plagued by high fuel consumption and technical limitations unsuitable for Guyana’s riverine conditions. Maintenance of these vessels has cost taxpayers millions of dollars annually, without delivering consistent or cost-effective service (Guyana Chronicle, 2016; Auditor General’s Report, 2018).
Given this history, any new procurement in the maritime transport sector must be undertaken with utmost transparency, supported by empirical data, and aligned with the actual needs of the region.
I urge the Guyanese people not to be distracted by political fanfare and hastily made promises, especially with the General and Regional Elections (GRE) scheduled for September 1, 2025. These last-minute declarations appear more geared toward political survival than genuine development. After nearly five years in office, the electorate deserves substance over spectacle.
Finally, I respectfully call on President Ali and his administration to provide the necessary clarifications and documentation to support their claims. The public has a right to know.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson, MP
