Amanza Walton-Desir, leader of the Forward Guyana Movement and Opposition Member of Parliament, has condemned the government for continuing with “business as usual” in the aftermath of the devastating MV Barima ferry tragedy that claimed more than 100 lives.
Walton-Desir said the government continued with “business as usual” and that a simple minute of silence is insufficient to address the gravity of the loss and called for genuine accountability from leaders.
More than a hundred lives have been forever changed by the tragedy, and Walton-Desir stressed that the nation deserves answers, justice, and leaders willing to take responsibility. “A minute of silence is not accountability,” she declared passionately. “The people of Guyana deserve answers, justice, and leaders willing to take responsibility. We will continue to stand with the victims, their families, and every citizen demanding accountability.”
The parliamentary opposition protested inside the National Assembly for hours as the many bills were presented and Walton-Desir pointed out that government officials, including agency heads, appeared only to be there for personal gain. “They come for the money,” she said. “So, you have all the agency heads sitting in here, because for them, it’s business as usual.”
She criticized the government’s lack of action and genuine concern, urging the people of Guyana to stand up and protest. “They are prepared to walk over you and do business as usual,” Walton-Desir warned. “Y’all had better get out here and stand up to this government.”
Throughout the sitting, opposition members continued their protest, making it clear that a symbolic gesture like a minute of silence is inadequate for the families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. Walton-Desir reaffirmed that the fight for accountability would persist until justice is served.
“We are not having it,” she added.
