Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter written by one Mr. Rampersaud Tiwari which was published in the Stabroek News on Saturday January 21, 2012. In his letter he quite correctly stated that the MV Makouria and MV Torani were not acquired during L.F.S. Burnham’s time but rather during Mr. C.B. Jagan’s time.
He however, went on to state that both the MV Makouria and the MV Malali were constructed in the United Kingdom. This is incorrect.
Only the MV Makouria, of the three vessels in question, was constructed in the United Kingdom.
For the purpose of setting the records straight for the public, I wish to state the following.
1. MV Makouria was constructed by Ferguson Shipbuilders, yard No. 428, Port Glasgow in 1959; she was actually launched on July 23, 1959, and towed to Guyana (BG).
2. MV Torani was constructed by Messrs Sprostons Ltd. The keel was laid on July 31, 1958 using the drawings of the Makouria. This vessel was handed over to Transport Harbours Department in October of 1960.
3. MV Malali was not constructed in the UK, but in Guyana (BG) by Messrs Sprostons Ltd. Again using the drawings of the previous vessels with altercations to its superstructure in order to provide accommodation for a live-abroad crew. The keel was laid on May 31, 1961. Captain R.E.W Adams