KUCHING: Kuchingites are disappointed over the cancellation of the visit of Doulos Hope, one of the world’s largest floating book fairs.
The ship was initially scheduled to be in Kuching from Aug 21 to Sept 4 as previously stated on its GBA Ships official website.
Doulos Hope, operated and managed by GBA Ships, has confirmed that the ship will not be coming to Kuching.
“We are sorry to officially announce that the ship has cancelled the visit to Kuching due to unforeseen circumstances,” it said in a reply to New Sarawak Tribune.
Meanwhile, according to a letter on the subject titled ‘Cancellation of MV Doulos Hope’s Planned Visit to Kuching’ and signed by ports engagement managing director Augusta Davin and project coordinator manager Kuching Rosa Maria Hernandez, the visit had to be cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
“After much searching amongst our professional networks, we have been unable to find suitable replacements for required engineering positions that enable us to sail.
“We understand the significance of this visit to our supporters and partners in Kuching, and we share in the disappointment caused by this cancellation,” said the letter which has been widely shared on social media.
In the letter, it also stated MV Doulos Hope, being based in Asia, greatly values its relationships with various communities and organisations, including Kuching.
“We sincerely appreciate the support for a ship visit, and we had been eagerly looking forward to engaging with the local community during our planned visit,” said the letter.
“Apologies were also extended for any inconveniences caused, including the Kuching Port Authority.
“We look forward to the possibility of returning to Kuching in the near future.”
GBA Ships on its website has updated Doulos Hope’s schedule where it will be in Penang until Aug 28. The ship has been open to the public in Penang since July 28.
The planned schedule for Kuching has also been removed from its website.
It is expected that the ship will proceed to Kota Kinabalu and be there from Sept 6 until Oct 3.
Details on the future ports of call for Doulos Hope to Bangkok in Thailand and Sihanoukville in Cambodia are yet to be confirmed.
