‘Replace BK with forensic salvage experts to raise Barima’ - civil society groups

(Kaieteur News) – A coalition of civil society organisations and individuals is demanding that the Government replace BK International Inc. with a specialist marine salvage company to recover the sunken MV Barima, warning that the operation must preserve evidence that could help establish why the vessel capsized and sank on 18thJuly.

In a joint statement, the groups, which include Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Red Thread Crossroads Women’s Centre and the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), raised concerns about the selection of BK International for the $1.034 billion salvage contract.

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Three companies submitted bids to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) under National Procurement and Tender Administration Board reference number 211/2026/34. However, the coalition contends that none met the stated requirements for five to 10 years of proven marine salvage experience in Guyana or wider Caribbean waters under challenging conditions, including strong currents and zero visibility. The groups argued that raising the wreck requires more than conventional salvage expertise, since the operation must also protect evidence that could be crucial to determining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.