The Joint Opposition, comprising We Invest in Nationhood (WIN); Forward Guyana Movement ( FGM); the Alliance For Change (AFC); and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC) have moved to ensure that the tragic sinking of the MV Barima receives urgent attention in the National Assembly.
Following consultations, the Opposition, namely WIN and FGM, will submit a notice under Standing Order No. 12 requesting that the matter be treated as one of urgent public importance and brought before the House at the earliest opportunity.
The Opposition emphasized that the loss of lives, the suffering of survivors, and the anguish of families across Guyana demand immediate parliamentary consideration. The tragedy has raised serious questions about maritime safety, regulatory oversight, vessel operations, emergency preparedness, and the systems meant to protect citizens who rely on public transport.
In addition to the Standing Order request, the Joint Opposition will advance two complementary motions.
The first is an urgent Motion of No Confidence in the Ministers responsible for Public Works and Transport, and Utilities and Aviation with responsibility for the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD)
The motion cites failures of ministerial oversight and leadership in relation to the MV Barima tragedy and Guyana’s wider maritime safety framework. It stresses that ministerial responsibility is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and where systems fail, accountability must follow.
Concerns have also been raised about the preservation of critical records and information. The Opposition argues that the continued presence of the responsible Ministers undermines public confidence in the impartiality of investigations, even if no wrongdoing is presumed.
The motion, which will be tabled by Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, MP, and Amanza Walton, Leader of FGM, calls on both Ministers, Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar, to accept responsibility and tender their resignations.
The second motion seeks an independent international investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima.
The Opposition insists that such an inquiry must be impartial, transparent, technically competent, and conducted in line with internationally accepted maritime accident investigation standards.
The investigation is expected to examine vessel maintenance and certification, safety procedures, regulatory oversight, operational decisions, passenger and cargo management, and emergency response systems.
The Opposition reiterated that this is not a matter for political delay or avoidance, but one of national importance involving the safety and lives of Guyanese citizens.
