13 January, 2021 – A simple signing ceremony was held today at the Ministry of Public Works, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, for the construction of an Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the Northwest District.
Present at the signing ceremony were Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works; India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa; Counsellor to India’s High Commissioner Mr. Vijayakumar K.; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Vladim Persaud; General Manager ofTransport and Harbours Department, Ms. Marclene Merchant; and representatives from the contracting firm (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Mr. Vishnu Doerga and Mr. Daniel Sugrim.
According to Minister Edghill, after years of being stalled, the procurement of the New Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the North West District was revived at the diplomatic level between the governments of Guyana and India.
Minister Edghill made it explicitly clear that the leadership of His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet Members, along with the Ministry’s technical staff lead the discussions in resolving the issues as to why the ferry was not awarded and/or commissioned after five years of not being in Government.
It was further noted by Minister Edghill that the contract was awarded to Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) for the sum of USD 12,733,403.
According to Minister Edghill the Ferry is expected to be delivered within 18 months and will provide larger cargo carrying capacity, shorter travel times and a safer and more comfortable service to commuters travelling between Georgetown and the Northwest District.
Minister Edghill also highlighted the payment breakdown for the contract which will be done at different installments; an advance payment of 20% will be disbursed in January 2021 in the sum of 2,253,601 USD. Another 40% of the contract value will be disbursed in 2021 at various construction milestone dates totaling 5,239,901.07 USD. The final 40% of the contract value totaling 5,239,901.07 USD will be disbursed in 2022 after the installation of the main engines and steering systems and upon receipt and acceptance the vessel.
Minister Edghill sought to thank His Excellency for the continued support and collaboration as each government seeks to advance the development of Guyana.
His Excellency Dr. K. J. Srinivasa said, “We have worked hard to get where we are with this project today”.
In closing, Minister Edghill noted, this vessel, when delivered to Guyana will be a representation of the modernization for the benefit of the people.
By: Ms. Krest Cummings
Senior Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Public Works
