DPP defends murder charges against Captain and two others in MV Barima tragedy

Amid widespread public criticism, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Senior Counsel Shalimar Ali-Hack, this afternoon defended her position to institute murder charges against the two crew members and the Goods Superintendent of the ill-fated MV Barima vessel which claimed the lives of over 70 persons, with dozens more still missing. In a statement this afternoon, the DPP’s office reminded that it remains an independent office under Article 187 of the Constitution, and shall not be subject to the direction and control of any other person or authority. The DPP's Office said in the exercise of those powers, it reviewed a Police file in relation to the MV Barima tragedy, and duly advised for the institution of the charges of murder against the Captain of the vessel Kevin Price, Chief Mate, Rondel Dwayne Roberts, and the Goods Superintendent of Transport and Harbours Department, Delon Granderson. “The decision to do so was based upon careful consideration of the evidence presented, the relevant principles of law involved, case law authorities from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth jurisdictions, the European Court of Human Rights, and public policy considerations,” the DPP office said. The DPP said she has noted the impending establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry by the President and noted that the business of this Commission of Inquiry will not affect the prosecution of the charge instituted noting that they can proceed simultaneously as was done in the cases of the piracy charges in the Berbice matter in 2018, and the fraud charges in the 2020 Regional and General Elections. She said given the unprecedented magnitude of this matter, coupled with public interest factors, the prosecution will be conducted with due consideration of the work of the Commission of Inquiry.