Billions from oil, no safe passage for hinterland residents – MP Hastings on MV Barima tragedy

Jul 23, 2026 News

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Kaieteur Sports – Member of Parliament for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Dawn Hastings-Williams, on Wednesday lamented the risky river travel conditions that residents of hinterland communities are forced to endure in an oil-rich nation, where flights from Ogle remain a luxury.

In her remarks at the joint opposition press conference, she highlighted that, “… there has never been, a comprehensive review of the transportation service by sea, air, or land for the hinterland residents.”

She explained that in the absence of sufficient seating aboard the vessel, passengers were forced to sling hammocks or spread bedsheets and cardboard on the floor, a practice she described as unacceptable in modern times.

The politician reminded the media that it is the 21st century and yet Indigenous people are still forced to travel by river. She said the tragedy has shed light on the conditions hinterland residents endure for extended periods to reach their destinations.

Referencing the Mahdia dormitory fire, which claimed the lives of more than 20 Indigenous children, Hastings-Williams said the MV Barima tragedy has reopened painful wounds in Indigenous communities across the country.

Breached maritime regulations

Speaking on what she described as breaches of maritime regulations, the WIN MP lamented the loss of so many lives while authorities continued to provide inaccurate information, leaving the total number of passengers aboard the vessel unknown.

“It is unfortunate that we have to mourn the loss of so many lives. It is very unfortunate. Up to this time, we have not known exactly how many passengers boarded the MV Barima due to inaccurate information that we continue to receive from the authorities. It is quite possible that many of them may have been children. As of the reports received on Tuesday, the bodies recovered were 11 female children and four male children. That gives us a total of 15, of our babies, our children lost their lives. This is a clear indication that the maritime rules were breached,” she said.

She said the discrepancies suggest proper passenger registration procedures were not followed, raising serious concerns about compliance with maritime safety requirements and accountability in the event of an emergency.

Expressing her perspective as an Indigenous person, she said all lives matter, irrespective of a person’s ethnicity, where they live, or their economic status. While the Barima-Waini Region is populated by various ethnic groups, she noted that it is public knowledge that many Indigenous people reside there.

“We are aware that the toshaos are out here in Georgetown for the National Toshao’s Council Conference. I call on our Indigenous leaders to demand justice for the families who have lost their loved ones. Men, indigenous men, women, children, babies, and in no less terms, I ask that the leaders demand for a long-term psychological and trauma support for the survivors and the bereaved families, as. indigenous peoples, we are frustrated and tired by how this government continues to treat us as if we do not matter, and we will no longer accept being pushed to the margins of our own land,” she added.

Differences must give way to something greater

Opposition Chief Whip and WIN MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley highlighted that while those at the head table represented different political parties and held different philosophies and views on how Guyana should be governed, there are moments in the life of a country when those differences must give way to something greater.

“This is one of those moments. The tragedy involved in MV Barima, has affected families, communities, and our nation as a whole. It has reminded us that when lives are at stake, political differences must become secondary to our shared responsibility to the people of Guyana. …This tragedy reminds or demands more than expressions of sympathy, it demands answers, it demands accountability, and above all, it demands action to ensure that no family ever has to endure such a tragedy again. It is for those reasons that the joint opposition has come together with one united voice,” she said.

Sarabo-Halley added that the people of Guyana deserve confidence that every possible lesson will be learned and every necessary reform implemented to safeguard those who travel the country’s rivers and waterways. Above all, she said, it is owed to those who lost their lives aboard the MV Barima to ensure that their passing is not simply mourned but becomes the catalyst for meaningful change that will protect future generations.

No plans in place for emergencies

General Secretary of WIN, Odessa Primus said based on what has occurred over the past few days, it appears Guyana has no emergency plans in place. She reminded those present that a similar situation unfolded a few years ago during the Mahdia Dormitory fire, when several innocent children lost their lives.

“…it appears as though even in the face of that tragedy, we have not taken an opportunity to learn from that, as the government, and that is wholly unfortunate. I do believe that, in the face of a crisis, and I’m sure, as is shared by many of my colleagues here at the table today, we need each other more than ever, and a tragedy of that magnitude, and the resources that we have, it calls for all hands on deck,” she added.

The MP also focused on the psychological impact the images and messages circulating over the past several days will have on the public, noting that there appears to be no adequate psychosocial support system in place. She said that when support is available, it is often limited to the victims themselves and, in fewer cases, extended to their families.

She called for this practice to be revised and urged the relevant ministries to take a more active role in addressing the issue, including contacting professionals in the diaspora to provide assistance if needed.

Edghill’s admissions

Leader of the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), Dorwain Bess, raised several questions regarding admissions made publicly by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill.

“The minister would have admitted publicly that this vessel was due for dry dock. I ask that the press and every right-thinking Guyanese to look at that recommendation. In that recommendation, it says the two main turbos need to be changed. What is the turbo used for? To give the engine power. Why would you, if the captain recommends this ship historical, send that same desolate seat immediately? It should be criminal investigation and charges being laid wherever it should be,” he said.

He further reminded the media that the minister had repeatedly stated the vessel was not overloaded. In light of those statements, Bess challenged Edghill to explain the method used to determine the loading capacity of not only the MV Barima but other ferries as well.

“These ferries are owned and controlled by the state, which means the responsibility falls directly at the feet of the government. What method was used to calculate where the passengers weighed, what the cargo was made are what we used when we got it at an average. How can you demonstrate whether that vessel had the requirement of cargo or not?” he questioned.

Bess also questioned the presence of fuel aboard the vessel. He asked whether it was standard practice for the ferry to transport petroleum products, whether the fuel was properly stored, and whether it posed a significant fire risk, calling it another disaster waiting to happen.

“Those three right there, I believe, should call for an immediate criminal investigation for the negligence of the people responsible for the 150 lives that we are now sitting in on it,” he said.

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• Dawn Hastings-Williams, maritime regulations, MV Barima tragedy, Odessa Primus, We Invest in Nationhood

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