Dear Editor,
The MV Barima tragedy has left our nation in mourning. As I continue to reflect on this disaster, my thoughts remain with the families and friends who have lost loved ones and those who continue to wait for answers. Guyana has seldom experienced a tragedy of this magnitude, and the response from those entrusted with leadership has, in many respects, fallen short of what the nation deserved.
I was particularly disturbed by the conduct of Minister Bishop Juan Edghill during the Government’s public briefings. As a Christian, I believe we are called to demonstrate compassion, empathy and humility, especially during times of national grief. Rather than appearing to dismiss the accounts of survivors and prematurely assigning blame, a more appropriate response would have been to acknowledge that all the facts were not yet known and to commit to providing the public with verified information after a thorough assessment.
Similarly, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who possesses considerable leadership experience and has spoken about disaster management, appeared unprepared during several media briefings. Important questions from the media remained unanswered, while information promised to the public was either delayed or never provided. In times of crisis, the nation expects leadership that inspires confidence through openness, competence and transparency.
Equally disappointing was the absence of technical officials from the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD). The General Manager, the Superintendent of Marine and other senior officers possess institutional knowledge of the operations of the MV Barima and could have provided valuable factual information. Instead, the public narrative was dominated by politicians, many of whom appeared more interested in defending the Government than providing clarity to grieving families.
The decision to appoint a Commission of Inquiry without meaningful consultation with the Parliamentary Opposition has also raised legitimate concerns about public confidence in the process. Questions regarding the perceived impartiality of some commissioners have been left unanswered. A credible inquiry must not only be independent but also be seen to be independent.
Equally troubling was President Irfaan Ali’s announcement of an audit team to examine aspects of the operations of the Transport and Harbours Department while a Commission of Inquiry is on the verge of commencing its work. Such a move appears premature and unnecessary. One would reasonably expect that an independent Commission of Inquiry, after hearing evidence, examining witnesses and reviewing all relevant documentation, would determine whether an operational, financial or systems audit is required and make such recommendations in its final report.
Instead, the President’s announcement gives the unfortunate impression that the Government is attempting to act ahead of, or even pre-empt, a process that is intended to operate independently. Such actions do little to strengthen public confidence in the integrity, independence and credibility of the investigative process.
I also find it difficult to reconcile the decision to institute murder charges before the Commission of Inquiry has even begun its work. Public statements made by Minister Edghill regarding the cause of the accident appeared to contradict the accounts provided by survivors, who spoke of overloading, water entering the vessel and possible mechanical difficulties. These inconsistencies only reinforce the need for a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation.
The nation also deserves to know the findings of the Guyana Police Force’s initial investigation before the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. Transparency is essential if public confidence in the justice system is to be maintained.
Another matter that deserves urgent clarification concerns the post-mortem examinations of those whose bodies were recovered. As former Minister Winston Jordan recently questioned, were examinations conducted to determine whether the victims died by drowning or from other causes before entering the water? Families deserve clear answers and complete transparency.
Despite Government assurances that psychosocial support has been made available, several affected families have reported receiving little or no assistance. Some continue to wait for visits, counselling or even a simple telephone call. In moments such as these, compassion must extend beyond public statements.
I am also disappointed by the silence of several Indigenous leaders within the Government at a time when Indigenous communities have suffered devastating loss. Leadership demands standing with one’s people during their most difficult moments and advocating fearlessly on their behalf.
The MV Barima tragedy has exposed weaknesses that cannot simply be ignored once the headlines disappear. It has highlighted the need for stronger safety standards, greater accountability, better emergency preparedness and a commitment to placing people before politics.
Finally, I join the families of the victims and countless right-thinking Guyanese in calling for the MV Barima to be raised from the river. Families deserve closure. They deserve every reasonable effort to recover the remains of their loved ones so they may be laid to rest with dignity.
To our Indigenous brothers and sisters, I encourage you to continue demanding accountability and justice. Remember the twenty Indigenous children who perished in the Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory fire in May 2023 while under the care of the State. Remember those who lost their lives aboard the MV Barima. Your lives matter. Every life matters. Never allow anyone to convince you otherwise.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson
