Representatives of four opposition groups have called for independent investigations into the MV Barima tragedy, along with immediate reforms to Guyana’s public ferry system.
The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the Alliance For Change (AFC), and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) presented a joint position during a press conference on Wednesday, July 22.
The parties said the investigations must determine what caused the state-owned vessel to capsize on July 18. They also want the process to examine the vessel’s maintenance, certification, loading, crew qualifications, and regulatory oversight.
The press conference featured FGM leader and Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir; WIN parliamentarians Janelle Sweatnam, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Dawn Hastings-Williams, and Odessa Primus; VPAC representatives Dorwain Bess and Francis Bailey; and AFC acting leader David Patterson.
Sarabo-Halley, who chaired the press conference, said the groups had set aside their political differences because the disaster required a coordinated national response.
“This tragedy demands more than expressions of sympathy. It demands answers. It demands accountability, and above all, it demands action to ensure that no family ever has to endure such a tragedy again,” she said.
The opposition called for the preservation of maintenance records, inspection reports, cargo manifests, communication logs, and other evidence. It also wants survivors, crew members, first responders, and witnesses interviewed while their recollections remain fresh.
Bailey said the government should publish the investigation’s terms of reference, along with the names and qualifications of the investigators. He also called for regular public updates and the full release of the final report.
Walton-Desir said Guyana’s legal obligations require a marine safety investigation following a serious maritime casualty. She said that process would be separate from any commission of inquiry or criminal investigation.
She called for international technical expertise and recommended the establishment of a permanent, independent transportation safety investigation board. The body would investigate serious marine, aviation, road, bridge, and railway accidents.
“It will be activated immediately when a serious accident occurs without waiting for ad hoc arrangements to be assembled,” Walton-Desir said.
Patterson called for an independent examination of the MV Barima’s maintenance, inspection, dry-docking, and certification records. He also proposed inspections of all passenger vessels to determine whether they are seaworthy and suitable for their assigned routes.
The opposition further called for modern docking facilities, a secure ticketing system, upgraded terminals, and a programme to replace aging vessels.
Bess called for a criminal investigation into the vessel’s operation. He also asked the government to publish information about its loading methods, crew certification, safety training, and navigational equipment.
Hastings-Williams and other representatives called for long-term psychological and trauma support for survivors, bereaved relatives, rescuers, volunteers, and communities affected by the tragedy. The groups also requested medical care, financial assistance, and legal support for families.
Sweatnam, Hastings-Williams, and other members of the joint opposition called for Public Works Minister Juan Edghill to resign.
The government reported later Wednesday that 65 bodies had been recovered since operations began. Of that number, 44 had been identified by relatives, while 23 had been released to their families. The number of rescued passengers and crew remained at 76.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said 19 vessels and three aircraft were involved in the operation. Maritime personnel from Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil had also joined the Guyanese teams conducting search, diving, and recovery activities.
