MV Barima was seaworthy – Min Edghill

What this source establishes

A DPI release carrying the Minister of Public Works' categorical statement that no report had found the vessel unseaworthy. It sets out a maintenance chronology of a last dry-docking in 2024 with the next due in the latter half of 2026, and describes the March 2026 tender as 'normal procurement for routine maintenance'. This is the position on seaworthiness and maintenance records that the announced Commission of Inquiry's terms of reference cover. The release does not state the vessel's age.

Official statement recorded in this source

"There was no report of any kind that suggested the vessel was unseaworthy. It was in line for dry docking in keeping with the schedule."

Key claims

• Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill dismissed claims that the MV Barima was unseaworthy.
• The vessel was last dry docked in 2024 and was scheduled for its next dry docking in the latter half of 2026, alongside the MV Malali and MV Hercules.
• Public reports suggesting the vessel had been declared unfit for service were inaccurate, per Edghill.
• The bill of quantities issued to contractors was part of normal procurement for routine maintenance, including hull inspection, underwater work, and necessary repairs to maintain seaworthiness.
• Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Government "will spare no effort until every possible avenue has been exhausted."
• Family assistance centres were established at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, Port Kaituma, and Mabaruma.

Quotations

• “There was no report of any kind that suggested the vessel was unseaworthy. It was in line for dry docking in keeping with the schedule.”— Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works
• “will spare no effort until every possible avenue has been exhausted”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister

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