Dear Editor,
The recent revelations around the MV Barima tragedy, which may become the worst in our country’s history, shows significant mismanagement and reckless disregard for the safety of the lives of our citizens. Given the resources currently available to the Ministry of Public Works and the fact that the vessel was not replaced as it should have been since the minister took office several years ago, CRG is left with no choice but to call for the minister’s resignation. In addition, the lack of the effective implementation of controls to safeguard the lives of the passengers on the vessel reflects the serious problems also faced throughout the transportation sector on both sea and land. Some of this responsibility does fall within the realm of the Ministry of Home Affairs, but the minister with direct responsibility over the transportation sector must hold himself and his team accountable and do the honourable thing and resign.
This is the second major tragedy under the leadership of President Ali. First, it was the Mahdia tragedy that should have resulted in the removal of Minister Manickchand, and now there is the MV Barima tragedy that should result in the removal of Minister Edghill. The safeguards that should have been implemented after the Mahdia tragedy are still lacking, illustrating a propensity for neglect of safety for our citizens within President Ali’s cabinet. A class action lawsuit will most likely follow after the grieving period has passed, and hopefully the administration will not try to circumvent the legal process as they did in the Mahdia tragedy by offering a pittance in compensation to the families who lost loved ones.
President Ali and his mentor are destroying the party of the Jagans. It is time for new leadership. The kind of leadership that places law and order above a quick dollar. The kind of leadership where the safety of our citizens on our roadways, on our rivers and in our skies is the highest priority and foremost concern of all those involved.
CRG once again extends sincere condolences to those families affected by this preventable tragedy.