Former Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine last week called on Guyanese to drive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) officials out of their communities whenever they attempt to visit grieving families, declaring that the Government had lost the moral authority to comfort victims after the July 18 MV Barima tragedy.
Addressing a candlelight vigil outside the Georgetown residence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Narine condemned the Government for abandoning the families of those who died when the MV Barima sank and said citizens should no longer welcome government officials whom he described as insincere.
“When they come to your communities and when they come to meet with grieving families, chase them out,” Narine told the crowd. “They had their opportunity to stand with the people. They failed.”
The vigil attracted opposition supporters, civil society representatives, trade unionists, relatives of victims and concerned citizens, all demanding Edghill’s resignation and accountability for what has become one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters.
The MV Barima sank on July 18 while sailing from Georgetown to Port Kaituma with more than 180 passengers and crew aboard. The disaster claimed dozens of lives and triggered widespread public outrage, with mounting questions over the vessel’s seaworthiness, government oversight of the ferry service and the response of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
Since the tragedy, protests have spread across Guyana, with demonstrators demanding that the vessel be salvaged, all victims recovered and returned to their families, an independent investigation conducted, and those responsible held accountable. Public pressure also forced the Government to proceed with plans to salvage the vessel and led to the release of three transport workers who had been arrested during the demonstrations.
Narine told the gathering that the Government had failed not only in its administration of the ferry service but also in showing compassion to grieving families.
“In Hindu Dharma, we are taught that we are all human beings and that we must feel for one another,” he said. “That is what this government has failed to do. It has failed to show compassion for the people of Guyana.”
Declaring his support for Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and the growing protest movement, Narine vowed to continue the campaign until those responsible are removed from office.
“I am here standing with the Leader of the Opposition and with all of you,” he said. “I will not rest. Juan Edghill must go, and this government must go.”
Narine also questioned the Government’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the disaster, arguing that the process could not command public confidence.
“You are telling me that this Commission of Inquiry will be independent? It cannot be,” he said.
He further urged Guyanese who have remained on the sidelines to become involved in demanding accountability.
“I have a message for every Guyanese who has chosen to stay home and remain silent,” Narine said. “Wake up. Open your eyes. If you continue accepting the same, you will continue getting the same.” He urged citizens not to remain passive in the face of what he described as government wrongdoing, making a direct appeal to Indo-Guyanese to raise their voices and speak out against actions they believe are wrong.
The former mayor pledged to remain active in the protest movement, saying he would continue standing alongside the Opposition Leader and citizens demanding justice.
“I, Ubraj Narine, will not take this lightly,” he declared. “As long as the Leader of the Opposition and all of us stand together, we will continue this struggle.”
Narine concluded by expressing solidarity with grieving families of the MV Barima tragedy, assuring them that they would not be abandoned in their pursuit of justice.
The vigil outside Edghill’s residence was one of several demonstrations held across the country in the aftermath of the MV Barima disaster. Protesters have maintained that their campaign will continue until the vessel is raised from the seabed, every victim is recovered and returned to their loved ones, a credible and impartial investigation is completed, and those found responsible—whether by action or negligence—are held fully accountable.
