Dear Editor,
In the aftermath of the MV Barima tragedy—one of Guyana’s worst maritime disasters—the stark reality is this: our nation’s political class has failed the survivors, the bereaved, and the missing. Both government and opposition have chosen politics over principle since the tragedy occurred over a month ago.
The opposition’s myopia is undeniable. They have focused relentlessly on demanding ministerial resignations rather than constructive maritime reform. They have called for accountability through blame-assignment instead of survivor support. They have engaged in parliamentary disruption and disruptive protests while ordinary families grieve and recover. This is opportunism masquerading as oversight.
But the government’s response reveals its own political calculation. Rather than face parliamentary scrutiny, it unilaterally appointed a Commission of Inquiry without consulting the opposition—bypassing robust democratic debate. While claiming to support survivors, it has refused to remove ministers implicated in the disaster, even as public confidence erodes. The government has maintained Edghill and Indar in office despite their alleged responsibility for allowing an 87-year-old vessel to remain operational—a choice that prioritizes political stability over accountability.
Most egregiously, the government weaponized procurement rules to delay salvage operations. Rather than invoke emergency powers to recover victims quickly and preserve evidence, it initiated a lengthy Expression of Interest process—the same government that bypasses normal procedure for contracts it favours. Families have waited weeks for answers; the vessel sits corroding on the seafloor while critical evidence deteriorates. This is not the action of a government truly centred on survivors’ welfare.
Both sides have been caught exploiting the tragedy. The opposition weaponizes suffering to demand resignations. The government weaponizes procedure to avoid accountability while publicly claiming victim-centred concern. Meanwhile, 74 people are dead, dozens remain missing, and survivors wait for answers that neither party seems genuinely committed to providing.
The truth is uncomfortable: our political system has failed this tragedy. Survivors need resources and closure, not political theatre from either side. The missing deserve swift salvage and investigation, not bureaucratic obstruction dressed as procedural propriety. Families deserve genuine accountability, not performative outrage or ministerial loyalty masquerading as stability.
Until both government and opposition abandon the calculation and put survivors first, every statement from both camps will ring hollow. Both have proven they are incapable of setting politics aside. The MV Barima tragedy deserves better than the myopic power plays of either side.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
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