By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In the wake of the catastrophic M.V. Barima disaster that claimed over 70 lives, Chairman of the Aruau Community Development Council (CDC) in Region One, Chris Debideen, has issued an urgent call for a comprehensive overhaul of Guyana’s public maritime transportation sector, demanding dedicated, modern passenger vessels for riverine and hinterland communities.
Addressing the Amerindian Peoples Association’s (APA) “Listen to Our Voices” forum over the weekend, the Indigenous leader argued that the tragedy exposed dangerous systemic failures in relying on 87-year-old mixed-cargo vessels to transport residents across the North West District.
“Safe Transport Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury”
Debideen emphasized that for Indigenous communities across Region One (Barima-Waini), water transport represents a lifeline for healthcare access, secondary education, commerce, and family connections:
- Separating Passengers from Cargo: Debideen called for the complete phase-out of overcrowded mixed-cargo vessels in favor of purpose-built, modern, and faster passenger ferries.
- Economic Reality vs. Ground Conditions: He highlighted the stark contrast between Guyana’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and the hazardous travel conditions hinterland residents endure daily.
“The tragedy involving the MV Barima has brought transportation and safety into sharp focus. Reliable and safe transportation is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Debideen stated. “We cannot be one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and have our people punishing on a ferry.”
Eyewitness Accounts of Squalor and Engine Fires at Sea
Reflecting on his personal experiences traveling between Georgetown and the North West District aboard the M.V. Barima and M.V. Kimbia, Debideen described harrowing journeys marked by neglect:
- Harsh Onboard Conditions: Passengers frequently endured long voyages exposed to seawater washing across open decks, forced to sleep on hard surfaces amidst heavy cargo.
- Engine Room Fire: Debideen recounted surviving an active engine room fire during one voyage, after which the vessel continued its journey through rough waters operating on a single engine.
“I traveled and had to sleep at the top with water rushing in and out of the boat,” Debideen recounted. “These conditions are unacceptable. Affected families deserve answers, transparency, accountability, and closure.”
Equal Protection Under the Law
Concluding his address, the CDC Chairman urged Indigenous Guyanese to vocalize their concerns without fear of reprisal, maintaining that the right to safe public infrastructure and constitutional protection must be guaranteed equally to all citizens regardless of geography.
