Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson is calling on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government to provide full transparency on a newly announced ferry service project, questioning the source of funding, procurement process, and overall legitimacy of the initiative.
In a public letter, Ferguson responded to an announcement made by President Irfaan Ali on Saturday, June 28, 2025, during a PPP/C-organised concert at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report dated June 29, the President disclosed that a contract had already been signed for the launch of a new ferry service.
While acknowledging that transportation infrastructure is critical to national development, Ferguson raised red flags over the absence of any such 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,” Ferguson pointed out, referencing official budget documents from the Ministry of Finance.
She listed a series of unanswered questions she says are vital for ensuring public trust and fiscal responsibility:
- From which budgetary source is the ferry being funded?
- Was there a public tendering process, and if so, when and where was it advertised?
- Who was awarded the contract, and under what terms?
- What is the cost, design, and timeline for delivery?
- Has any feasibility study or cost-benefit analysis been conducted?
- Will the new vessel replace an existing ferry?
“These questions are not unreasonable,” Ferguson wrote. “They reflect the very concerns of a populace eager for responsible governance, transparency, and value for money.”
She also drew attention to past experiences with maritime transport procurement, recalling the MV Kanawan and MV Sabanto, Chinese-donated ferries introduced over a decade ago for the Parika–Supenaam route. Though welcomed initially, those vessels later came under scrutiny during the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition’s term in office (2015-2020) for being technically unsuitable, costly to maintain, and inefficient in local river conditions.
“Maintenance of these vessels has cost taxpayers millions of dollars annually, without delivering consistent or cost-effective service,” she noted, citing media reports and Auditor General findings.
Ferguson accused the government of leveraging public events for political gain, especially in the lead-up to the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
“I urge the Guyanese people not to be distracted by political fanfare and hastily made promises… These last-minute declarations appear more geared toward political survival than genuine development,” she said.
Calling for documentation to be released to the public, the Opposition MP urged President Ali and his administration to “provide the necessary clarifications” and demonstrate that the new ferry project is being handled in accordance with procurement laws and the principles of transparency.
“After nearly five years in office, the electorate deserves substance over spectacle,” she concluded.
Ferguson’s letter adds to growing concerns about the PPP/C’s election-season promises and the lack of detailed information accompanying large-scale project announcements.
