Several opposition parties on Tuesday presented a united front in calling for greater transparency and accountability over the Government’s handling of the MV Barima tragedy. They have demanded revised maritime safety procedures, an independent international investigation and criminal charges against the Public Works Minister.
Notably absent from the joint press conference was the People’s National Congress Reform/A Partnership for National Unity (PNCR/APNU).
The press conference brought together representatives of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
Asked why the PNCR/APNU was not represented, WIN Executive Member Tabitha Sarabo-Halley said, “Those who are here are those who accepted,” indicating that invitations had been extended but not all opposition parties chose to participate.
The parties used the forum to outline what they believe should be the next steps following the maritime disaster, arguing that the tragedy exposed serious deficiencies in maritime safety, oversight and accountability.
WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus said the incident should serve as a “catalyst for reform”, particularly in strengthening emergency preparedness among those who work at sea.
She urged authorities to introduce emergency response training for fisherfolk and others in the maritime sector.
“It is extremely important to take a step back and revise what we are doing and to fix them,” Primus said.
Acting Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) David Patterson focused on the vessel’s maintenance history, questioning decisions made regarding its upkeep.
Patterson alleged that responsibility for maintaining the vessel had been removed from experienced contractors and awarded to a company involved in the fishing industry. According to him, the Government had argued that the savings generated from the arrangement would be used to construct wharves and stellings, projects he said remain incomplete.
He also pointed out that the MV Barima was commissioned in 1939, raising questions about the continued operation of the ageing vessel.
VPAC representative Dorwain Bess called for a criminal investigation into the actions of the responsible minister, alleging negligence in relation to the vessel’s condition and operation.
Bess also referred to public comments made by the minister, which he described as admissions that the vessel had already been scheduled for dry docking. He questioned the reported storage of petroleum products aboard the vessel, describing them as potentially highly flammable, and called on the Government to release documents confirming the vessel’s seaworthiness as well as the qualifications and certifications of its crew.
The Forward Guyana Movement, through its Leader, Amanza Walton-Desir, maintained that while a Commission of Inquiry (COI) may be warranted, it should not replace an independent maritime safety investigation conducted in keeping with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
The party argued that investigations into the tragedy should not be conducted solely by the Government and called for the investigative framework to be made public to ensure transparency and public scrutiny.
FGM representatives also warned that commissions of inquiry often take considerable time to conclude, increasing the risk that memories fade and evidence is lost.
