APNU Condemns Govt Over Barima Tragedy, Ignoring Citizens and GWI Plan

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian Saiku Andrews, speaking at a press conference last Friday from a prepared statement, condemned the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, saying it has ignored mounting public protests, evaded accountability over the MV Barima tragedy, and pursued policies that undermine public trust and governance.

The opposition said a “clear and unmistakable pattern” has emerged in recent weeks, with citizens confronting President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during public outreaches, demanding answers, accountability, and the resignation of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar.

“Yet, the PPP/C has responded in the only way it knows, arrogance, indifference, and contempt,” APNU said.

The party argued that despite repeated public confrontations, the administration has continued its engagements as though nothing has occurred, a posture it said reflects a failure of democratic accountability. It also criticised the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) without consultation, noting that no ministers have been dismissed.

APNU linked the protests to the fallout from the MV Barima disaster, which resulted in significant loss of life and triggered national grief. The opposition said the tragedy has exposed deeper governance failures.

The party described the incident as stemming from “PPP/C corruption and incompetence,” and said the government has sought to deflect responsibility.

It further stated that criminal charges brought against three individuals shift blame and could undermine efforts to uncover the truth.

“Three Guyanese citizens are imprisoned… to shift blame away from the PPP/C and its incompetent cabinet,” the statement asserted, calling for the charges to be dropped.

The opposition said the government’s “business-as-usual” approach in the aftermath of the tragedy has deepened public outrage and disrespected the victims and their families.

The statement also raised concerns about recent spending announcements, particularly housing initiatives targeting Indigenous communities. While acknowledging the need for development, APNU said the programmes were not included in the national budget and appear designed to shift attention away from the Barima tragedy.

APNU warned that Indigenous communities must not be treated as “voting blocs” but as equal partners deserving sustained development and respect.

In a separate section, the opposition sharply criticised the government’s reported plan to expand Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) into bottled water production and distribution, saying it reflects misplaced priorities.

“GWI was established to provide Guyanese with safe, reliable, affordable, and potable water,” the party said, noting that many communities still face low water pressure, service interruptions and discoloured water.

APNU said that instead of fixing longstanding deficiencies, the government is diverting resources into a commercial venture outside GWI’s core mandate. It warned that such a move risks placing the state in competition with private businesses, increasing the cost of living, and creating opportunities for mismanagement.

The party pointed to past state-led initiatives, including challenges in the sugar industry and the troubled Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project, as evidence of what it described as limited capacity to manage major commercial enterprises.

“The Guyanese people deserve transparency, not political theatrics,” APNU said, calling for accountability and a shift toward responsible governance.

The government has not yet responded publicly to the opposition’s statement.