MV Barima ferry "murder" case to continue in September

The Captain, Crew member and the Goods Superintendent who are facing 72 murder charges in relation to the deaths in the MV Barima ferry tragedy were further remanded today when they appeared virtually before the Charity Magistrates' Court in Essequibo. According to one of the Attorneys, Eden Corbin, the Prosecution made partial disclosures with evidence and documents that they intend to use in the case. They are expected to make additional disclosures. The matter will continue on the 7th September and the three men will remain on remand. Their Attorneys previously indicated that they intend to move to the High Court over the murder charges that were filed by the Police on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions over the ferry deaths. The DPP has defended the charges, and the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, has also defended the charges. However, protests have been growing in the home villages of the three accused, as family members and their villagers demand their release. After keeping the men in custody for almost a week, the Police last week moved to file murder charges against them. The Political opposition has said it is clear that the men are being used as scapegoats to shield attention away from the managers and ministers who overlook the transport and harbours and maritime sectors. The MV Barima sank during its trip from Georgetown to Port Kaituma two weeks ago. The overloaded ferry was 8 hours into a 24 hour journey when it capsized and sank.