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Guyana President Irfaan Ali Confronts Protests Over Maritime Minister Juan Edghill After MV Barima Ferry Tragedy
The MV Barima ferry sank on July 18‑19, 2026, killing 73 Guyanese. In the aftermath, President Irfaan Ali has held public consultations in Region One (Barima‑Waini) and other villages, inviting citizens to discuss concerns. He emphasized that a Commission of Inquiry (COI) has been established, is independent, and will carry out its work, and a technical audit of the maritime sector has also been launched.
Opposition parties and protestors have repeatedly demanded the resignation of Minister of Maritime Transport Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar. Demonstrations have taken place at locations such as Hopetown Primary School, Melanie Nursery School and other community sites, with chants like “Edghill must go.” Opposition MP Saiku Andrews is reported to have coordinated the chants. President Ali has invited protesters to join discussions at Santa Rosa Secondary School, while police have set up barricades and made arrests during the protests. The president has shrugged off calls to remove Edghill, stating the COI will address the issue.
Entities
Commission of Inquiry · Deodat Indar · Dr Irfaan Ali · Government of Guyana · Irfaan Ali · Juan Edghill · MV Barima · Saiku Andrews · Santa Rosa Secondary School
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Opposition demands the resignation of Minister Juan Edghill and Minister Deodat Indar. demerarawaves.com · kaieteurnewsonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Protesters gathered at Hopetown Primary School chanting “Edghill must go.” kaieteurnewsonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Opposition MP Saiku Andrews coordinated chants at the Hopetown protest. kaieteurnewsonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Irfaan Ali held public consultations in Region One (Barima‑Waini) after the disaster. demerarawaves.com · guyanatimesgy.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The MV Barima ferry sank on July 18‑19, 2026, killing 73 Guyanese. demerarawaves.com · guyanatimesgy.com · kaieteurnewsonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Irfaan Ali said the Commission of Inquiry is independent and will carry out its work. demerarawaves.com · guyanatimesgy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Ali invited protesters to join discussions at Santa Rosa Secondary School. guyanatimesgy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Commission of Inquiry and a technical audit of the maritime sector have been launched. guyanatimesgy.com