Protesters got past a barricade and entered the Watooka Complex compound in Linden on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar over the MV Barima tragedy.
Scores of demonstrators, including opposition party members, held placards and chanted outside the venue as Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and a number of government ministers conducted a public day outreach inside.
The demonstrators demanded accountability following the July 18 maritime disaster, which claimed 73 lives and remains one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime tragedies. They said political accountability should accompany the ongoing investigations into senior officials responsible for the country’s transport sector.
The demonstration in Linden is the latest in a series of protests held across the country since the tragedy. In the days following the sinking, opposition parties, civil society groups and concerned citizens have organised vigils, public demonstrations and parliamentary protests, all calling for the ministers to step down.
Protesters have also raised concerns about maritime safety, regulatory oversight and the condition of vessels operating the Georgetown–North West route. President Dr Irfaan Ali has ordered a safety audit on all maritime vessels following the incident.
The government has also maintained that an independent international Commission of Inquiry will examine all aspects of the disaster to determine its causes and recommend reforms to prevent a recurrence.
Despite the demonstration, Jagdeo’s public outreach proceeded as scheduled, with ministers and officials meeting residents to address concerns relating to housing, infrastructure, agriculture and other public services.
