Guyana Adjourns MV Barima Murder Trial to September 7 Amid Protests

A Guyanese magistrate has postponed the murder trial of MV Barima captain Kevin “KP” Price, chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and goods superintendent Delon Granderson to September 7, after the Charity Magistrate’s Court, which sits only on Mondays, could not accommodate an earlier date for full disclosure. The three men face 72 counts of murder linked to the July 18 sinking of the ferry, an incident that has claimed at least 72 lives, with estimates of up to 102 dead and more than 30 passengers still missing.

Family members, friends and community residents have staged solidarity protests outside Roberts’ home, demanding transparency and accusing the charges of being a cover‑up for government officials’ failures. Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali‑Hack defended the prosecution, citing evidence and legal precedents from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth jurisdictions and the European Court of Human Rights. Protesters continue to call for accountability and the release of the accused.