Slinging hammocks, spreading cardboard and bedsheets on the floor of ferries as they make the journey to their homes has been the reality of those who live in Guyana’s hinterland region, and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament Dawn Hastings-Williams yesterday said that the Indigenous Peoples who largely make up these areas are “frustrated and tired” of the system in place.
Hastings-Williams, a former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) executive, was speaking at a joint opposition press conference in Providence, East Bank Demerara, in the wake of last Saturday night’s tragedy involving the MV Barima, in which dozens lost their lives.
“It is basic knowledge that the Barima-Waini region is populated with various ethnicities; it is also basic knowledge that many indigenous peoples reside in this region. There has never been a comprehensive review of the transportation service by sea, air or land for the Hinterland residents,” she expressed.
In the 21st century, she noted, residents of indigenous communities are still forced to travel by river/sea, because an airlift from Ogle to Mabaruma, Port Kaituma or Matthews Ridge, costing $55,000 to $60,000 remains a luxury that most cannot afford.
“This tragedy has brought to light the conditions under which our hinterland residents had to endure travelling for long periods to reach their destination. In the absence of comfortable and adequate seating in the vessel we have seen passengers slinging their hammocks, spreading cardboard and bedsheets on the floor which is unacceptable in this 21st century,” she expressed.
Not too many years after the Mahdia dorm fire which claimed the lives of more than 20 indigenous children, Hastings-Williams said this most recent disaster has reopened painful wounds for indigenous communities across Guyana. “As indigenous peoples we are frustrated and tired by how this government continues to treat us as if we do not matter and we will no longer accept being pushed to the margins of our land.”
Up to this time, she noted, it is not known exactly how many passengers boarded the MV Barima “due to inaccurate information that we continue to receive from the authorities.”
“This is a clear indication that the maritime rules were breached. Of the passengers who were rescued, 32 were not listed on the vessels official manifest. This discrepancy suggests that proper passenger registration was not followed, raising serious concerns about compliance with maritime safety requirements and accountability in the event of an emergency.”
While indigenous leaders are in Georgetown for the National Toshaos Council Conference, she urged that they use the occasion to demand justice for the families who have lost their loved ones. “And in no less terms demand for a long term psychological and trauma support for the survivors and bereaved families.”
Hastings-Williams joined with the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and her colleagues in the Opposition in calling for the resignation of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill.
Last Monday, the APA issued a statement in which it said the MV Barima tragedy exposed failures in Guyana’s ferry system, noting that North West passengers had complained for years about poorly maintained vessels, crew conduct and unsafe travelling conditions. The organisation said the disaster was “one waiting to happen” and disproportionately affected Indigenous and hinterland communities that depend heavily on affordable ferry transportation.
Opposition parties that participated in the press conference yesterday included WIN, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Alliance for Change (VPAC), and Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC). APNU was not represented.
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