US$12.7M North-West ferry” MV MA LISHA important for Guyana’s development – Pres Ali

– says vessel will open up agricultural, value-added opportunities

By Jarryl Bryan

The long-awaited MV MA LISHA ferry, which was built by Indian firm Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) at a cost of US$12.7 Million, has officially been commissioned and will now ply the North-West, Region One, (Barima-Waini) and Georgetown route.
During the ceremony to mark the commissioning of the vessel, President Dr. Irfaan Ali shared the stage with dignitaries including Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar – who is currently on a three-day visit to Guyana that concluded on Sunday.

In his feature address, the President spoke about the important role the MV MA LISHA is expected to play in Guyana’s development. He noted that, among other things, the vessel will serve as an important conduit for trade between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago and by extension, the wider Caribbean region.
“Guyana is transitioning itself to be the food capital of the region. One of the greatest hindrances in us fast tracking our food potential is our transportation system. Now, this vessel took about 59 hours to sail from Trinidad to Guyana. From Region One, it will take about 15 hours to Trinidad. We are very futuristic in what we’re thinking.”
“Region One has the potential to produce all the cassava, eddoes, sweet potatoes, yams, turmeric, ginger, and cage culture fish that the entire Trinidad and Tobago can utilize. Region One alone has this capacity. So, this ship… is an opportunity to open up a new discourse with India. That is the replacement of our fleet, but more importantly, making use of this opportunity of trade between Region One and Trinidad and along the rest of CARICOM,” the President said.
He noted that with the ship’s cold storage capability, commodities like crab meat can be transported from Region One to Georgetown. This is a commodity that is in high demand in the oil and gas industry. As such, the vessel will open up opportunities for value-added food production. Additionally, however, primary products like ginger and turmeric can also be transported. There is even an opportunity for high-demand crops to be exported to international markets.
Among the other advantages of the new vessel is that it will be more fuel efficient. President Ali revealed that the operating costs of current vessels- such as the MV Kimbia– is almost $12 Million per month, most of which can be chalked up to fuel costs.
“This vessel is estimated to use substantially less fuel, than the Kimbia. So, this vessel will also reduce the operating cost for Transport and Harbours Department. This will improve efficiency, and reliability and reduce our cost center, while at the same time bringing a higher level of service to the people of these regions.”
Friendship
President Ali also revealed that the naming of the ship was of crucial importance, as the name was chosen- MA LISHA- is a Warao word that means friendship. As such, the ship’s name serves as a celebration of Indigenous heritage.
“When we were thinking about naming the ship, a lot of names came forward. And I called many leaders in our Amerindian community. And because of where this vessel will be serving, the overwhelming sentiment was that it should be a Warao word. Naming of vessels is not an insignificant decision.”
“Because that vessel and that name, must demonstrate what it took to bring the vessel to where it is and what the vessel represents itself. And that is why friendship, not only between Guyana and India but friendship among the coast landers and hinterland, friendship among every single Guyanese, is what is the foundation of the one Guyana.”
The President meanwhile assured India that Guyana would be steadfast allies, as the country values friendship. And accordingly, he revealed that India has committed to providing help with maintenance for the vessel.
Meanwhile, Dr Jaishankar spoke about the ferry as the continuation of a longstanding collaboration between Guyana and India. This includes collaboration on projects that included the cricket stadium, the center of excellence, and the installation of solar traffic lights.
“It’s important that we look at this ferry and actually consider the larger context. Which is a longstanding development partnership between India and Guyana. Our cooperation is human-centered. It reflects the priorities of the people and the Government of Guyana,” Dr. Jaishankar said.
Earlier this month, the vessel arrived in Port Georgetown, after it sailed from Kolkata to Chennai and then made its way through the Atlantic Ocean to Trinidad. The new North West bound ferry has a capacity of up to 276 passengers, along with 18 crew members, and also carries 14 sedan-type vehicles and two trucks. It can also accommodate up to 250 tonnes of cargo with cold storage facilities.
It also comprises a front loading/offloading ramp that can accommodate easy loading and discharging of cargo at ports she will call on. The vessel also has a side boarding capacity. A total of 19 navigational, mechanical, and auxiliary staff of the Transport and Harbours Department were trained in India in 2022 and earlier this year, to operate the new ferry vessel.