-urges ministerial accountability where responsibility established
The Assakata Village Council has called for a thorough and independent investigation into the MV Barima tragedy, the recovery of the sunken vessel and full accountability—including resignations—where responsibility is established.
The Region One council made the call in a statement posted on its Facebook page following a public meeting convened on Wednesday by Toshao Terrence Domingo and councillors after their return from the 2026 National Toshaos Council Conference.
According to the statement, Domingo updated residents and heard their concerns about the loss of lives in the disaster.
The meeting opened with an emotional address from the Toshao, who expressed grief over the deaths of men, women and children from Region One and other parts of the country. A minute’s silence was observed, while Pastor Francis Bloomheart led prayers for survivors and affected families.
Following extensive discussions, the statement said, residents unanimously resolved that those responsible for the tragedy must be held fully accountable.
“Every life lost mattered and every family deserves truth, justice, and closure,” the council said.
It noted longstanding concerns about the condition of river transportation serving hinterland communities, saying the age of the vessel and the unanswered questions surrounding the disaster required urgent and transparent action.
“Our people deserve safe, reliable, and dignified transportation—not continued exposure to unacceptable risks,” the statement added.
The council and residents declared their support for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation; accountability for every individual or institution found responsible; and the recovery of the MV Barima from the seabed to facilitate what they described as a complete and credible investigation.
They also supported calls for ministerial accountability where responsibility is established, saying those found responsible must resign. Immediate and meaningful improvements to river transportation safety across Region One were also demanded.
The council called on the government to ensure that justice is not delayed and said the families of those who died deserved answers, accountability and lasting reforms to protect future generations.
It also called for the soldier from Whitewater Village who saved several persons to be officially recognised and awarded a national honour, along with appropriate benefits.
The council thanked President Irfaan Ali and the government, members of the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force, the opposition, local volunteers, boat operators, medical personnel and others involved in the search, rescue and recovery operations.
“This tragedy is not simply the loss of individual lives—it is the loss of future leaders, parents, children, workers, and knowledge bearers,” the statement said. “Entire families and communities will carry the pain of this tragedy for generations.”
The council said Assakata would continue standing with the bereaved families until the truth was disclosed, justice delivered and meaningful changes implemented.
Discussion