Latest update September 11th, 2026 10:20 AM
Govt. sends home MV Barima management team to facilitate probe into tragedy
…fears they can tamper evidence of possible wrongdoing
(Kaieteur News) – All staff responsible for the loading, dispatch, and overall management of the MV Barima, under the Transport and Harbours Department has been sent on leave as the probe deepens into the unfortunate incident.
The vessel capsized on Saturday evening during its voyage to Port Kaituma. Bound for Region One by Sunday afternoon, the 87-year-old ferry went down with 133 passengers and crew members, along with 200 tonnes of cargo in the vicinity of Iron Punt, an area known for its notoriously rough and deep waters.
Up to the time of this report, 67 persons were rescued while the bodies of 13 passengers have been recovered.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill during a meeting with the management team of the MV Barima
In a statement early Monday morning, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said the persons relieved from duty “aims to guarantee the absolute integrity of the upcoming inquiry” and will prevent the likelihood of “tampering with or interference in evidence and materials, thereby ensuring a completely fair and unprejudiced outcome.”
Edghill reminded that the decision was first announced by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during a media briefing on Sunday in Georgetown.
The senior management team of the MV Barima met with minister Edghill during a late-night meeting on Sunday where they were notified of the suspension and administrative steps moving forward.
Meanwhile, as investigations continue into the tragic incident it was explained that surveillance footage from the Kingston Goods Wharf where the vessel departed around 3:15 pm has been extracted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for a thorough review. Government believes this is crucial to providing vital insights into the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
The Ministry of Public Works reiterated its unwavering commitment to conducting a thorough, transparent, and exhaustive investigation into this tragedy to ensure full accountability.
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