The Amerindian Peoples Association has called for the removal of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and an independent investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima, arguing that the disaster exposed longstanding failures in the management and regulation of Guyana’s river and sea transportation systems.
In a statement issued on Monday, the APA extended condolences to the families of those who died, expressed support for survivors and said it was praying for the safe recovery of persons who remain missing.
The Indigenous rights organisation said complaints about the condition and operation of vessels serving the North-West District had been raised for years. According to the association, passengers have repeatedly complained about deteriorating vessels, unsafe travelling conditions and the conduct of some crew members.
“Based on those reports, Saturday’s tragedy was one waiting to happen,” the APA stated.
The organisation noted that river transportation remains the most affordable option for many residents of the North-West District, where Indigenous people constitute a significant portion of the population. Residents depend on the ferry service to travel for medical treatment, education, business, family responsibilities and other essential purposes.
The APA said the tragedy highlighted the transportation inequalities faced by Indigenous and hinterland communities, many of which have had little choice but to accept inadequate services.
“The state has a responsibility to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective means of transportation for its citizens,” the organisation said.
The association also raised concerns about statements made by Minister Edghill indicating that the passenger manifest did not match the identities of some persons who were rescued. It argued that the apparent discrepancies pointed to serious weaknesses in passenger management, accountability and oversight.
The APA questioned who was responsible for supervising the ferry operations, ensuring that passenger limits were enforced and confirming that vessels were properly inspected and maintained before being allowed to undertake dangerous sea routes.
It also rejected the description of alleged irregularities as mere “mischief,” contending that the acceptance and normalisation of improper practices had contributed to systemic failures.
The organisation is demanding a comprehensive, transparent and independent review that examines more than the immediate cause of the sinking. It said investigators must assess vessel safety standards, maintenance procedures, licensing and inspections, crew training and certification, enforcement of passenger limits, emergency preparedness, weather monitoring, communications and search-and-rescue capacity.
The APA further called for a broader review of Guyana’s entire river and sea transportation network, warning that several systems used to transport citizens contain serious faults and deficiencies.
It said Indigenous and riverain communities must be meaningfully consulted during the review, since residents who use the waterways regularly understand the dangers and weaknesses of the existing system.
“Those who navigate these waterways daily understand the realities, dangers and shortcomings of the current system and must have a voice in shaping the solutions,” the association stated.
The APA said the sinking must become a turning point for major improvements in public safety and maritime regulation, rather than being followed by temporary expressions of sympathy without meaningful reform.
Among the measures being proposed are sustained investment in modern and reliable vessels, stronger enforcement of maritime regulations, routine inspections, improved emergency-response systems and mandatory safety equipment that is regularly checked and easily accessible to passengers.
The organisation also called for expert and independent investigators to be included in the official inquiry, which it said must be conducted quickly, transparently and with integrity.
The association directly called for Minister Edghill’s removal, noting that the Transport and Harbours Department falls under the Ministry of Public Works and that the tragedy occurred under his watch.
“The families of those who perished, the survivors, and the wider public deserve clear answers about what occurred, whether established safety protocols were followed, and what corrective actions will be implemented to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated,” the APA said.
The organisation thanked those involved in the search-and-rescue operation and offered to assist families and survivors affected by the disaster.
“Safe transportation is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right that every person in Guyana deserves, regardless of whether they travel by road, air or river,” the statement concluded.
