Latest update October 11th, 2026 10:40 AM
Coast Guard blocks Mohamed from Moruca
…as ‘Edghill must go’ protests spread across Region One
…says vessel captain could not produce licences, safety certification
By Khadidja Ba
(Kaieteur News) – Public demonstrations expanded across several riverine and hinterland communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) yesterday, as residents in Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Moruca, and Matthews Ridge took to the streets demanding the immediate resignations of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar.
The intensified protests coincided with the maritime confrontation at the mouth of the Pomeroon River, where Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard ranks intercepted and blocked the boat of Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed from travelling to Moruca.
Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and MP Dawn Hastings Williams on the bow of their boat which was stopped by the GDF beside their Floating base.
Responding to a video posted by Mohamed, taken in-front of the GDF’s Pomeroon base, the Guyana Defence Force issued an official press release confirming that Coast Guard personnel stationed at the Pomeroon Floating Base intercepted the passenger vessel carrying the Opposition Leader. The military explained that ranks were conducting routine vessel inspections in accordance with established procedures, which require all operators to register their journey at the base and present a valid Boat Master’s License, Vessel License, and Certificate of Inspection. According to the GDF, the vessel’s captain was unable to produce the required licenses and safety certification, leaving ranks with no choice but to direct the vessel back to Charity to secure the necessary documentation. The force maintained that such checks are standard practice along Guyana’s waterways to promote compliance, enhance maritime safety, and ensure all passengers are properly fitted with lifejackets throughout their journey.
The protest movement spread across Region One on Wednesday with residents gathering in Moruca, Matthews Ridge, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma to demand justice over the MV Barima disaster.
However, photographic evidence obtained by Kaieteur News directly undermines the military’s narrative of strict regulatory enforcement. A photograph of the official Coast Guard station logbook recorded on that identical date reveals that ranks compiled almost no detailed records during the stop. The log entry listed only the driver’s name and total passenger count, leaving critical fields for the vessel owner’s and no columns for passenger identification numbers, or even signatures. There was also no notice posted in the book which stated the need for photographic verification of passengers or registration documents.
The military’s claims of standard operating procedures were further challenged by fishermen and commercial operators along the route. Ten commercial fishermen who regularly navigate the river between Charity and Moruca told Kaieteur News that checks at the floating base are historically informal, with boat captains typically pulling alongside to “hail” ranks, verbally report passenger numbers, and proceed without ever presenting physical documentation. Media personnel aboard craft during recent Atlantic Ocean search and recovery efforts after the sinking of the MV Barima, similarly confirmed that Coast Guard ranks conducted no formal license inspections on transiting vessels during those operations.
The blocking of the Opposition Leader’s vessel has fuelled additional anger across Region One, where public frustration over transport infrastructure and riverine safety oversight remains at a boiling point. Demonstrators across Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Moruca, and Matthews Ridge expanded their blockades and marches today, maintaining chants for Ministers Edghill and Indar to relinquish their portfolios while accusing authorities of using selective maritime enforcement to stifle political movement.
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Maybe there was a lapse or negligence in the past in enforcing the rules & regulations but since the M V Barima tragedy & the scrutiny demanded by the government to ensure the safety of all & sundry utilizing the water ways for their transportation, evidently there will be stricter adherence to the rules, regulations , compliance & safety of all vessels!!!
The LOO should have been aware of these stricter development instead of acting like an ‘upstart’ throwing his ‘weight’ around in breach of all regulations & sheer disrespect to ‘authority’!!!
He can’t be that daft not knowing the the operator & vessel have to be licensed and a valid certificate to be produced on request by the authority!!
This arrogance, pomposity & deliberate ignorance & flouting of the law by the anointed LOO & his fellow MPs should not be tolerated or condoned!!!
A written warning should be issued to the LOO for this serious safety breach !!!
Another serious complaint has been made against Azarudden Mohamed of entering Amerindian Villages without prior approval!!!
This guy needs to be guided accordingly before he is arrested and placed before the courts!!!