Georgetown, July 28, 2026 — The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the government’s decision to charge three surviving crew members of the ill-fated MV Barima with murder, characterizing the move as a “racist lynching” designed to distract from official negligence.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old vessel built in 1939, sank off the Guyana coast on July 18 en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. The tragedy has claimed at least 72 lives, with rescue and recovery operations ongoing .
On July 19, Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed that two crew members tested positive for drugs following the incident . The government has now formally charged Captain Kevin Price, 40, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, with multiple counts of murder.
CGID: Charges Are a “Distraction”
In its press statement, CGID alleges the charges are a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from government incompetence and the decision to keep an unseaworthy vessel in operation. The organization argues that the three men — all of African Guyanese descent — are being scapegoated by a “racist” People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration.
The statement specifically names Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, T&HD General Manager Marcelene Merchant, and Board Chairperson Rosalinda Rasul as the individuals who “should be charged” for authorizing the vessel’s continued service despite safety concerns.
“Did they specifically authorize the overload of the vessel and its departure from Georgetown while leaking and in unsailable, unsafe conditions? NO!” CGID’s statement declares.
Crew Allegedly Raised Safety Concerns
According to CGID, T&HD employees have advised that crew members repeatedly informed management the boat was not fit for sea operations. The organization claims the government had scheduled major repairs but continually postponed them to keep the vessel in service.
The statement questions the validity of the drug test results, demanding to know whether alcohol and marijuana readings were above legal limits. CGID argues that even if the tests are accurate, the appropriate charge would be operating a vessel under the influence, not murder.
“This is a lynching of these three young black men by PPP ethnic supremacists,” the statement reads.
Government Response Sought
The CGID has called on all Guyanese, particularly African Guyanese, to reject the charges and demand accountability from senior government officials and T&HD management.
The government has not yet responded to CGID’s allegations. Officials previously confirmed that the MV Barima was carrying 179 passengers — revised upward from an initial count of 116 — when it sent out a distress signal and sank .
