Former government minister and former Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson is demanding answers from the PPP/C Government over its handling of the MV Barima tragedy, saying grieving families continue to face uncertainty, inadequate support and a painful lack of closure more than a month after the disaster.
In a strongly worded letter published today by Village Voice News, Ferguson said the Government’s response since the July 18 sinking has appeared “casual and uncaring”, particularly towards families still searching for answers about their loved ones.
The MV Barima departed Georgetown on July 18 for Port Kaituma but capsized off Guyana’s northwest coast late that night. Initial official records listed 133 people aboard—116 passengers and 17 crew—but the Government later revised its estimate, saying as many as 179 people were actually on the vessel after reviewing CCTV footage, records and other information.
By July 22, the Government reported 53 bodies recovered and 76 survivors, leaving 50 people unaccounted for based on the revised figure of 179 aboard.
The tragedy has since become one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters, with the vessel remaining submerged and recovery efforts continuing.
Ferguson said the Government’s handling of the tragedy has raised serious questions, particularly for families still awaiting answers and closure.
She singled out Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill for criticism, saying their conduct towards the families, the media and the wider nation has been “deeply disappointing”.
“Today, they have become remarkably silent on this tragedy. But let them be reminded: Guyanese will never forget July 18, 2026—the day the MV Barima became a death trap. That scar will remain with the families and with this nation for years to come.”
‘Who are we to believe?’
Ferguson also challenged statements made by Edghill that the vessel was not overloaded and had not suffered engine failure, contrasting them with accounts from survivors who reported that the ferry was overloaded and experienced engine problems.
“Who are we to believe?”
“I believe the survivors deserve to be heard, respected and taken seriously.”
She also questioned whether the Government’s pursuit of criminal charges against those directly connected to the vessel goes far enough.
Captain Kevin Pryce, Mate Roland Roberts and Goods Superintendent Delon Grandison have faced murder charges in connection with the tragedy.
Ferguson said accountability must reach beyond those operating at the lower levels of the system.
“The Government cannot expect Guyanese to simply accept such developments without asking questions. Accountability must extend beyond those at the bottom. We need to know who made the decisions, who had oversight responsibility, who knew what, and whether systemic failures contributed to this tragedy.”
President Irfaan Ali has announced a Commission of Inquiry into the disaster, with the commission expected to begin its work in September.
But Ferguson questioned the continued uncertainty surrounding the inquiry and the salvage of the vessel.
More than a month after the sinking, the MV Barima remains on the seabed, with human remains reportedly still trapped inside.
She pointed to a Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) bid request issued on August 1 for the vessel’s salvage, with submissions due on August 14.
Ferguson said the public is still waiting for basic information on the process.
She wants to know how many bids were received, which companies submitted them, the costs attached to each proposal, when the bids will be evaluated, when a successful bidder will be selected and when salvage operations will actually begin.
“Meanwhile, families continue to grieve, wait and suffer.”
Her verdict was blunt:
“What do you call such an approach? I call it WICKEDNESS.”
Families still waiting for support
Ferguson also questioned whether the Government’s HEART Initiative is reaching all affected families.
She said families continue to report that they have not been contacted or provided with the psychosocial assistance they were promised.
“But grief cannot simply be addressed by announcing that psychosocial support is available online.”
“Families need meaningful, personal and timely engagement.”
She specifically cited the families of brothers Neil and Kenrick Cort, saying she has personally maintained contact with Neil Cort’s wife and has witnessed her distress.
“It is difficult to hear this woman break down, questioning, searching for answers and struggling to understand why there has been so little closure.”
Ferguson added:
“To hear that the Social Worker is no longer checking in is painful.”
“To hear that no one—from Government, THD or APNU—is checking in is even harder.”
She said establishing a committee and announcing support programmes are not enough unless families actually receive assistance.
Ferguson also commended the APA and We the People’s Movement for continuing protests and demands for accountability, arguing that the campaign must continue even as participation fluctuates.
“The numbers may be smaller than before, but this is not a struggle that should be measured only by numbers.”
Ferguson ended with a pledge to continue standing with the families, demanding accountability and keeping them in her prayers.
Her closing message was unequivocal:
“July 18, 2026, must never be forgotten.”
“The families deserve answers.
The families deserve support.
The families deserve closure.
The nation deserves accountability.
And the truth must come out.”
