GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has condemned the “tone-deaf” decision by the PPP government and ExxonMobil to proceed with the Global Super League (GSL) cricket tournament today, even as recovery efforts continue for the 110 victims of the MV Barima tragedy, with bodies still floating in the Atlantic Ocean.
Despite multiple appeals from grieving citizens and advocacy groups to postpone the ExxonMobil-sponsored event out of respect for the dead, officials have pressed ahead with the competition in Georgetown. Critics are calling the move a stunning display of insensitivity at a time when the nation is in mourning.
Colonialist” Attitudes Decried
A source with direct knowledge of internal discussions has described the stance of both PPP government officials and ExxonMobil management as “colonialist,” accusing them of prioritizing commercial interests over national grief.
“Their attitude has been callous and deeply disrespectful to the Guyanese people,” the source said, adding that the decision reflects a “striking disconnect” from the suffering of the victims’ families.
ExxonMobil Accused of Profiting from Tragedy
The GSL, which is owned by what CGID describes as “PPP oligarchs,” has come under fire for accepting sponsorship from the oil giant. The source slammed ExxonMobil for “using financial backing to prop up a tournament that profits politically connected elites, while ordinary Guyanese are left to grieve and search for their dead.”
The criticism also pointed directly at the government, alleging that the MV Barima disaster itself was a product of “PPP government negligence” — an accusation that adds fuel to public outrage over the handling of both the tragedy and the decision to proceed with the cricket.
Boycott Call Issued
In response, CGID is calling on all Guyanese to boycott the GSL matches as an act of solidarity with the families of the victims. The organization argues that attending the games would send a message that commercial spectacle is acceptable while the nation’s dead remain unclaimed.
“Stand with the grieving families, not with corporate greed and political insensitivity,” the statement read.
No Official Response Yet
As of publication, neither the PPP government nor ExxonMobil has responded to the allegations or the boycott call.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as new information becomes available.
