The grief surrounding the MV Barima disaster returned to the gates of the Office of the President on Tuesday as relatives of victims and supporters renewed demands for the sunken vessel to be raised, saying families cannot be expected to find closure while loved ones remain missing.
The protest, which is expected to continue every Tuesday, has become a visible expression of mounting frustration among families still seeking answers nearly two months after the July 18 disaster.
Former minister and former parliamentarian Annette Ferguson, who participated in Tuesday’s demonstration, said the families remain determined to keep pressure on the authorities.
“THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!”
Ferguson said the central demand has not changed: raise the MV Barima and recover whatever remains can still be found inside the wreck.
“The families of those who lost loved ones in the MV Barima tragedy, including families still awaiting the recovery of their loved ones’ remains, continue to call for JUSTICE.
Their message remains clear: FLOAT THE BOAT! Bring the MV Barima to the surface so that the remains of those still missing can be recovered and their families can finally have closure.”
The 87-year-old passenger and cargo vessel sank on July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One. Authorities ultimately confirmed that 179 people were believed to have been aboard, far more than the 133 recorded on the initial manifest. Prime Minister Mark Phillips told the National Assembly that 76 people survived, 73 bodies were recovered and 30 people remained unaccounted for.
The vessel was located in waters approximately 13 to 15 metres deep. Although divers recovered bodies from the wreck during the initial operation, the vessel itself remains underwater.
The Government subsequently launched a process to secure a specialised salvage contractor. Expressions of Interest closed on August 14, with submissions to be evaluated before negotiations with a selected contractor. The government has said the salvage operation must also preserve evidence relevant to the Commission of Inquiry.
For families on the picket line, however, the wait has become part of the trauma.
Ferguson said relatives of Goods Superintendent Delon Grandison also participated in Tuesday’s protest and are demanding both justice for the victims and the release of the three men charged in connection with the disaster.
“Families of Goods Superintendent Delon Grandison were also out on the picket line, demanding justice and calling for the release of Delon Grandison, Ronald Robertson, and Kevin Price, whom they maintain are innocent of murder.”
Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and Goods Superintendent Delon Grandison have been charged with multiple counts of murder. Their prosecution is now before the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where the defence has challenged the proceedings and argued that the criminal case should be halted because of provisions governing marine accident investigations.
Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali established a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the disaster. The commission has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the sinking and related issues.
But the families’ immediate demand remains focused on the wreck.
“The protest will continue every Tuesday until justice is served.
We will not forget July 18, 2026.
We will not forget the lives lost.
We will not forget the families still waiting.JUSTICE FOR THE MV BARIMA VICTIMS!
FLOAT THE BOAT!
RECOVER THE REMAINS!
JUSTICE MUST PREVAIL!”
