APA, citizens call for justice, improved systems after MV Barima tragedy

Members of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and citizens gathered outside the Office of the President, Vlissengen Road, for a peaceful protest following the MV Barima tragedy. “We are very sad about the lives lost in the MV Barima tragedy. We feel it is a tragedy that should not have happened. “… this must be a lesson not only for the water transportation sector, but we have the air transportation sector that must be fixed, and the road transportation sector that must be fixed,” Executive Director of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Jean La Rose told the News Room on Wednesday. La Rose was joined by several members and supporters of her organisation, alongside Guyanese voicing their concerns about the tragedy. The MV Barima sank on July 18, 2026. So far, 76 passengers and crew members have been rescued, but 73 persons have been confirmed dead. Another 30 persons are still unaccounted for. During the protest, there were calls for the resignations of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar. Sharp attention was also drawn to the challenges faced by Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples, from the high cost of transportation to the safety of travelling to and from hinterland communities. La Rose said these longstanding challenges must be addressed to improve the lives of Guyana’s first peoples. “For you to fix something, you have to know what the problem is, we have to be consulted. We want to have inclusion in fixing everything that has to be fixed,” she said. The government is moving ahead with an international Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy. There are also criminal proceedings unfolding in the Court. On Tuesday, MV Barima captain Kevin Price, called “KP”, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and the Goods Superintendent, Delon Granderson, were charged with murder following revelations that some of the people rescued after the MV Barima capsized were not officially listed as passengers, and two of the crew members tested positive for narcotics.