MV Barima disaster investigations and legal proceedings

Following the MV Barima ferry disaster near the Essequibo Coast, which resulted in significant loss of life, legal and investigative proceedings have moved into critical phases.

A Commission of Inquiry has highlighted discrepancies in passenger and survivor counts, with testimony indicating that some initial figures were sourced from media releases rather than official logs. The inquiry has faced criticism regarding transparency, as a ban on livestreaming hearings has prevented families in remote communities from accessing proceedings. Additionally, relatives of victims have expressed frustration over a lack of clear guidance from the CoI Secretariat, reporting difficulties in submitting applications for standing to testify and noting the absence of an operational website detailing procedures.

Concurrently, criminal proceedings are advancing after Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir rejected defense arguments to stay murder charges against three employees of the Transport and Harbours Department. The accused—Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson—face charges related to the deaths of 76 people. The defense argued that the Shipping Act and the parallel Commission of Inquiry should take precedence, but the court ruled that the criminal case can proceed. The prosecution maintained that the Director of Public Prosecutions holds constitutional powers to institute charges regardless of maritime investigative mechanisms.

Chairman Godfrey Smith confirmed the commission is still deciding whether the three accused will be summoned to provide sworn evidence. Defense attorneys have also raised concerns regarding the potential for evidentiary cross-contamination between the public inquiry and the criminal proceedings. The court is scheduled to return on November 16, 2026, with a decision on whether to commit the men to trial expected on December 14.