Seventy-three days after the MV Barima sank off Guyana’s northwest coast, grieving families continue to take their demands to the streets, joined by civil society members, opposition forces, activists and concerned citizens calling for the vessel to be raised and answers provided about the July 18 tragedy.
On Tuesday, September 29, families took their weekly protest to the Main Street office of Minister within the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, demanding accountability and action.
Hana Khamelia, Manager of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, said the Office joined the families in their continuing campaign.
“Seventy days after the July 18 tragedy, families are still waiting to know when the MV Barima will be salvaged and who will ultimately be held accountable for the deaths of at least 103 persons.”
The government has reported that 73 bodies have been recovered, 76 people survived and about 30 remain unaccounted for, leaving families still waiting for information and, in some cases, the remains of their loved ones.
The Commission of Inquiry into the disaster has entered its investigative phase, while criminal proceedings against three crew members continue separately. However, the Barima remains on the seabed, with families continuing to demand a clear commitment and timeline for its recovery.
The weekly demonstrations have increasingly brought together bereaved relatives and wider sections of civil society and the political opposition.
“Fourth Week — We Will Continue To Stand”
Former parliamentarian and former APNU+AFC government minister Annette Ferguson, who participated in Tuesday’s demonstration, said September 29 marked the fourth consecutive week of public protest by families.
“Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, marks the fourth week of families standing publicly and calling on the Ali Administration to FLOAT THE BOAT so they can retrieve the remains of their loved ones still missing following the MV Barima tragedy of July 18, 2026.”
Ferguson said Tuesday’s picket included relatives of sailors Rawle Frank and Hartcourt, as well as the grandmother and relatives of the young Murray children, all from Region Five.
“Four weeks later, these families are still waiting. They deserve the opportunity to recover whatever remains can be found and to lay their loved ones to rest with dignity.”
She said the families would continue receiving support from activists, media workers, WIN personnel and opposition representatives, including Opposition Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan.
Opposition Demands Action
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has maintained calls for the resignations of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Indar, an interim payment of at least G$5 million to each affected family, the release of the three crew members in custody and the immediate salvaging of the MV Barima.
The three accused — Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Roberts and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson — remain in custody while criminal proceedings continue. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Commission of Inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the sinking, including issues relating to the vessel’s seaworthiness, maintenance, maritime compliance and possible institutional failures.
The families, however, continue to insist that the recovery of the vessel is essential to establishing the full circumstances of the tragedy and recovering the remains of those still missing.
Their message Tuesday remained unchanged:
“FLOAT THE BOAT!”
“BRING THEM HOME!”
“WE MUST NEVER FORGET — JULY 18, 2026.”
Ferguson said the protesters would remain alongside the families until the vessel is raised and they have an opportunity to obtain closure.
“We will continue to stand with them until the boat is raised and families can have closure.”
