The entire management team responsible for the loading, dispatch and overall management of the MV Barima has been suspended from duty as the Government intensifies its investigation into Saturday night’s maritime tragedy, which claimed lives, left several passengers missing and exposed serious operational failures.
The MV Barima was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it capsized approximately seven miles offshore in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River late Saturday night after departing the Kingston Goods Wharf earlier that afternoon. As of Sunday evening, 67 people had been rescued, two bodies had been recovered and search and rescue operations remained ongoing for those still unaccounted for.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced the suspension in a Facebook post on Monday, saying the move was necessary to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
According to the minister, the officials have been removed from duty to prevent any possible interference with evidence or materials that could be critical to the inquiry.
The decision follows Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips’ announcement that the Government had ordered an urgent multi-agency investigation into the tragedy after authorities uncovered several disturbing developments.
Among them were major discrepancies in the vessel’s passenger manifest, with officials revealing that only 35 of the 67 rescued passengers were listed on the official manifest. In addition, the vessel’s captain and first engineer tested positive for cannabis following medical examinations after they were rescued.
As part of the investigation, the Guyana Police Force has already extracted surveillance footage from the Kingston Goods Wharf, where the MV Barima departed, for detailed review. Investigators are expected to use the footage to establish the sequence of events before the vessel left port.
Edghill also disclosed that he convened a late-night meeting with senior officials of the Transport and Harbours Department, including the General Manager, during which the management team was formally informed of the suspensions and the administrative measures that will follow.
The Government’s investigation, involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and other technical maritime experts, will examine the accuracy of the passenger manifest, passenger and cargo loading procedures, compliance with maritime safety regulations and the conduct of those responsible for the vessel’s operations.
Government officials have maintained that anyone found guilty of negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing will face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue at sea and along nearby shorelines as authorities work to locate those still missing and provide answers to grieving families.
