HGP Nightly News – People who knowingly create or circulate fabricated videos and photographs purporting to show the MV Barima tragedy could face criminal investigation and possible prosecution, the Ministry of Home Affairs has warned.
The warning comes as the Guyana Police Force conducts what the ministry described as a comprehensive investigation into the sinking of the ferry.
In a statement, the ministry said old, unrelated and allegedly fabricated images were being presented on social media as authentic material from the disaster.
It argued that spreading such content during a period of national grief was insensitive to affected families and could create fear, mislead the public and interfere with the investigation.
“Anyone who knowingly creates, shares, or republishes false or misleading content purporting to depict or relate to this tragedy may be committing offences under the laws of Guyana,” the ministry said.
The statement did not identify the disputed posts, specify which laws may have been breached or announce charges against any individual.
Whether a person committed an offence would depend on the content shared, their knowledge and intent, the applicable law and evidence gathered by investigators. Merely sharing information later found to be inaccurate would not automatically establish criminal liability.
The ministry said suspected acts of public mischief and any other applicable offences would be investigated. Where sufficient evidence exists, those responsible could face prosecution.
At the same time, police are asking people with genuine evidence to come forward.
Anyone possessing firsthand information, photographs, videos or other relevant material was urged to submit it directly to the Guyana Police Force rather than circulating it online without verification.
The ministry said public cooperation was essential to reconstructing the events surrounding the capsizing and establishing all relevant facts.
Authorities are investigating the vessel’s passenger and cargo records, loading procedures, maintenance, stability and compliance with maritime-safety requirements. The conduct of the captain, crew and shore-based officials is also under scrutiny.
Police have already secured surveillance footage from the Kingston Goods Wharf, where the MV Barima was loaded before departing Georgetown for Port Kaituma.
The investigation is taking place amid uncertainty about the number of people who were aboard. Dozens of survivors were not listed on the official passenger manifest, preventing authorities from establishing an accurate occupancy figure.
That information gap has created fertile ground for rumours and conflicting reports, particularly on social media.
The Home Affairs Ministry urged the public to verify claims before sharing them and to rely on confirmed information from credible sources. It also appealed for respect for the victims, survivors and relatives still awaiting answers.
“This is a time for compassion, truth, and national solidarity,” the ministry said.
It extended condolences to the families of those who died and expressed support for everyone affected by the disaster.
