“Justice is our right, not a favour” - Region One leader demands basic rights for Indigenous communities

“Justice is our right, not a favour” – Region One leader demands basic rights for Indigenous communities

Aug 17, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Highlighting the contrast between Guyana’s rapid economic expansion and the harsh daily realities of interior travel, Region One, leader Chris Debideen has issued a passionate call for the government to overhaul the country’s river transport system and replace aging vessels with a modern, reliable, and faster passenger fleet.

Speaking at the Ina Maimu Yetatokon (“Listen to Our Voices”) conference hosted by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) on 14^th August, Debideen said safe transport for riverain communities is a fundamental right, not a luxury.

“Justice is our right, not a favour” - Region One leader demands basic rights for Indigenous communities

Chris Debideen, Chairman of the Aruau Community Development Council in the Mabaruma Sub Region, Region 1.

“We cannot be one of the fastest growing economies and we have our people punishing on a ferry,” Debideen said, addressing the audience. “When the tragedy happens, our people deserve more than condolences. They deserve answers, they deserve transparency, they deserve accountability, and the family deserves closure.”

Debideen’s remarks follow the recent tragedy involving the MV Barima. Recounting his own harrowing experiences aboard state-operated vessels, Debideen detailed severe overcrowding on the MV Barima, where passengers were forced to sleep on walkways exposed to washing deck water, and near the top arch of the vessel due to a lack of seating.

He further described a life-threatening incident aboard the MV Kimbia while out at sea. “I was on the boat at the same time… the boat caught fire in the ocean,” Debideen recalled. “The engine cut out. All I could remember was fire in the boat and smoke, and crew members with their fire extinguishers… Every passenger ran to the bow. You were inside a big ocean with waves hitting the boat.” The vessel eventually completed its voyage operating on a single engine, an experience Debideen offered as evidence that the regional transport fleet relies on unsafe, temporary fixes.

Delays, cargo, and basic rights

Beyond emergency safety concerns, Debideen pointed to the routine indignities suffered by travellers, including low-income families and single mothers with young children. Passengers frequently endure agonising, unscheduled delays while cargo is loaded and unloaded at the docks.

“The boat is scheduled to leave like about 10 o’clock… you’re waiting with your children, frustrated, 12 o’clock passes, 3 o’clock passes, till 11 o’clock at night,” Debideen stated. “Our people should not have to spend hours waiting while cargo is loaded, unloaded, loaded and unloaded before they can travel.”

In a broader appeal, the Region One leader urged indigenous communities across Guyana to stand firm and demand equitable treatment, free speech, and structural accountability from central authorities without fear of intimidation or victimisation.

“Justice is not a favour given to indigenous people. Justice is our right, healthcare is our right, safe transportation is our right, and dignity is our right,” Debideen declared.

Advocates at the APA conference echoed Debideen’s sentiments, urging public works and transport authorities to immediately move beyond patchwork repairs and invest in modern passenger-first vessels tailored specifically to transport residents and their luggage safely, comfortably, and efficiently.

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basic rights, Indigenous communities, interior travel, justice

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