Joint Opposition calls for independent investigation into MV Barima tragedy 

The Joint Opposition is calling for an independent investigation into the MV Barima tragedy which has so far claimed 56 lives.

At a press conference on Wednesday, representatives from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Alliance For Change (AFC), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), and Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) all called for this independent probe. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has vowed that an independent investigation will be carried out.

At Wednesday’s press conference, VPAC’s Francis Bailey said the investigation must not only assign blame to culpable parties but it must present recommendations to prevent future tragedies. Those recommendations, he said, must be acted on soon after.

FGM’s Amanza Walton- Desir highlighted that Guyana is obligated to conduct an independent safety investigation in keeping with international maritime obligation. For her, the ensuing probe should be “functionally independent of those whose actions will be investigable.”

AFC’s David Patterson also weighed in.

“This is not about one vessel, it is about public safety, accountability, and the rights of people in riverain communities to travel safely,” Patterson said.

Patterson also said all vessels should be inspected immediately to determine their seaworthiness. He also said the government should invest in a modern fleet of vessels, an upgraded ticketing systems and upgraded dry docing facilities.

WIN’s Odessa Primus directed attention towards the lasting impact such a tragedy will have on the survivors, families of the nations and citizens at large. She advocated for continuous counselling and other mental health support.

The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo vessel, left Port Georgetown on Saturday afternoon and was heading to Port Kaituma in Region One. Late Saturday night, tragedy struck.

This tragedy has gripped the nation, but striking revelations have raised many questions.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Sunday night said officials initially believed they were searching for 116 passengers and 17 crew members, based on the official manifest. But investigations revealed that only 35 of the 67 rescued were listed on the passenger manifest, meaning 32 survivors were never officially recorded as passengers before the vessel left Georgetown. Once this information came to light, the list of passengers was released to the public.

The vessel’s cargo manifest showed it was carrying 268 tonnes of cargo, below its licensed capacity of 284 tonnes. But now that is also under question too.

Additionally, the vessel’s captain and first engineer have been arrested after both tested positive for narcotics. This information was released to the public soon after authorities found out.