MV Barima tragedy: Captain, two crew members charged with murder, remanded to prison

The captain of the MV Barima and two other crew members have been jointly charged with murder and were remanded to prison on Tuesday morning. Those charged for murder are: Kevin Price, called “KP”, a 40-year-old Captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; Rondell Dwayne Roberts, a 42-year-old Chief Mate of Meadow Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara; and Delon Granderson, a 33-year-old Goods Superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara. Some of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy Some of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy They appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the charges were formally read to them. The men were remanded to prison as the case was adjourned to August 3, 2026, at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. The MV Barima sank on July 18, 2026. So far, 76 passengers and crew members were rescued but 73 persons have been confirmed dead. Another 30 persons are still unaccounted for. A day after the vessel sank, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said two of the crew members — including the Captain — tested positive for narcotics. Additionally, it was discovered that many of the passengers were not listed on the passenger manifest. The men have been charged with the murder of the victims. In a release, Police Headquarters said the men were charged following legal advice obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.