By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Tensions flared at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal on Monday as members of the combined parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition staged a joint protest during a sitting of the National Assembly.
Demonstrators demanded the immediate removal from office of Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, holding them directly accountable for the fatal capsizing of the state-operated M.V. Barima.
The tragedy—which stands as one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Guyana’s history—has claimed over 70 lives, with more than 30 citizens remaining unaccounted for.
Demonstrators Call for Executive Accountability Outside Parliament
Placard-bearing parliamentarians, civil society leaders, and affected family members gathered outside the ACCC prior to the sitting, insisting that the scale of the tragedy warrants political resignations rather than operational excuses:
- APNU MP Sherod Duncan: Questioned the government’s approach to establishing investigative panels without opposition input, asserting that Public Works Minister Juan Edghill must step down.
- APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul: Criticized the ministry’s oversight and management of state transport vessels, calling for systemic structural changes and immediate executive accountability.
- WIN MPs Dr. Vishnu Panday, Dawn Hastings-Williams, and Nandranie Singh: Highlighted the severe impact on hinterland and Amerindian communities, arguing that allowing the vessel to sail under known hazardous conditions constituted gross negligence.
- Former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine & Former MP Annette Ferguson: Called on citizens to demand justice, arguing that public safety protocols across the maritime sector have been ignored.
[ OPPOSITION PARLIAMENTARY PROTEST DEMANDS ]
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[ Executive Resignations ] [ Inquiry & Sector Reform ]
- Immediate removal of Minister Juan Edghill - Independent, bipartisan Commission of Inquiry
- Resignation of Minister Deodat Indar - Audit of MARAD oversight & Transport and Harbours
- Direct ministerial accountability for 70+ deaths - Structural investment in emergency response capacity
Protests Persist Inside National Assembly Despite Speaker’s Caution
As proceedings commenced inside the chamber, opposition parliamentarians continued their demonstration, chanting “Edghill must go! Indar must go!”
Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir cautioned the MPs to desist from picketing within the parliamentary precinct and maintain order under the Standing Orders. However, opposition members persisted with their calls, creating an intense atmosphere as the government moved to proceed with the day’s legislative agenda.
With political tensions at an all-time high and public outcry mounting across the nation, opposition parties maintain that they will continue legislative and public actions until executive liability for the M.V. Barima tragedy is enforced.
