Drumming, chants, and a visible police presence set the tone Saturday afternoon as civil society and opposition supporters, led by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarians, staged a fiery protest demanding accountability for the deadly MV Barima disaster.
Among those present were APNU Members of Parliament Dr. Terrence Campbell, Coretta McDonald, Nima Flue-Bess, and Saiku Andrews, alongside attorney-at-law Ronald Daniels. Protesters gathered along the Grove, East Bank Demerara corridor, using a call-and-response technique to amplify their demands.
“Who must go?” protest leaders called.
“Edghill and Indar!” the crowd roared in unison, directing blame at Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar.
Chants of “Float the boat, bring up the evidence” and “Who we don’t trust with we life? Edghill and Indar” echoed throughout the protest, reflecting deep public anger over the government’s handling of the July 18, 2026 maritime disaster.
The MV Barima capsized off Guyana’s coast, claiming the lives of about a 100 people. Authorities now estimate that as many as 179 individuals were on board, a figure that starkly contrasts with the initial manifest, which listed 116 passengers and 17 crew members. The discrepancy has fueled concerns about oversight, record-keeping, and overall safety compliance.
The tragedy has also raised broader questions about maritime safety standards, vessel maintenance, and regulatory enforcement, with many pointing to longstanding concerns within the sector that remain unresolved.
As public outrage grows, attention has also turned to the criminal charges brought against members of the vessel’s crew.
Three employees of the Transport and Harbours Department—Captain Kevin Price, 40; Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42; and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, 33—have been charged in connection with the incident. The men recently appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.
Price and Granderson are being represented by attorney Dexter Smartt, supported by a legal team that includes Dexter Todd, while Roberts is represented by attorney Everton Lammy-Singh.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Mandel Moore informed the court that he is now in possession of a fiat authorizing the prosecution of the matter. Partial disclosure has already been provided to the defence, with next hearing scheduled for September 7
At the Grove protest, demonstrators strongly rejected what they see as an attempt to place blame solely on the crew.
“Free Delon, Rondell and Kevon!” they chanted.
“Free the innocent, jail the guilty!” echoed across the gathering, signaling a belief among protesters that responsibility lies higher up the chain of command.
Another chant—“Float the boat. Spend the money. Sign the contract”—referenced the government’s recent move to issue an Expression of Interest to salvage the vessel from the seabed, a decision widely viewed as a response to mounting public pressure.
Under the watchful eyes of the Guyana Police Force, the protest was orderly but emotionally charged, blending grief, anger, and demands for justice.
Saturday’s demonstration underscores a growing wave of public dissent, with the opposition signaling that pressure will continue until full accountability is established—not only for those on board, but for those responsible for ensuring the vessel’s safety before it ever left port.
