Dear Editor,
I listened carefully to the recent press conference by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips following the tragic MV Barima incident. Once again, the Guyanese people were given assurances that investigations will be conducted, lessons will be learned, and measures will be implemented.
We have heard these promises before.
After the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire, Guyanese were promised accountability. After the death of Adrianna Younge, we were promised answers. After the Guyana Defence Force helicopter crash, we were promised investigations and transparency. Years later, many families and citizens are still waiting for clear answers, accountability, and justice.
Today, after the devastating MV Barima tragedy, the nation is once again being asked to trust another set of promises. The people of Guyana deserve more than repeated assurances—they deserve decisive action.
Leadership is not only about expressing sympathy during times of tragedy. Leadership means responsibility. Leadership means accountability.
As Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill holds ultimate political responsibility for the policies, oversight, and systems within his ministry. While investigations may determine the immediate causes of the incident and the actions of individuals involved, ministerial responsibility rests with the Minister. That is the principle of accountable government.
For the sake of the children, women, and men whose lives have been lost, and out of respect for the grieving families, Minister Bishop Juan Edghill should resign with immediate effect. Such a decision would demonstrate that public office carries responsibility and that accountability begins at the highest levels of government.
Mr. President, the Guyanese people are not asking for another promise. Let there be action and leadership that accepts responsibility when tragedy strikes. Let your government have some kinda conscience, compassion, and respect for every citizen.
Please do not allow this tragedy to become another chapter of promises followed by years of unanswered questions. Let this moment mark a change in the culture of accountability.
The families who are grieving deserve justice. The nation deserves transparency. The people deserve leadership that acts—not leadership that simply promises.
Minister Bishop Juan Edghill should resign as Minister of Public Works.
Yours truly,
Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt. (GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
