Dear Editor,
The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as a result of the tragic capsizing of the passenger vessel MV Barima. We also extend our solidarity with those who have been rescued. At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with every family anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones and with the emergency personnel and volunteers engaged in rescue and recovery efforts. This heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted the immense risks faced by citizens who depend on river transport.
National tragedies demand national unity. They also demand transparency and accountability by the state. It is therefore deeply troubling that there have been reports indicating that members of the independent media were sidelined from official briefings. In moments of national crisis, access to timely and accurate information should never be determined by political considerations or media affiliation.
WPA believes that every legitimate media house has a responsibility to inform the public. Restricting access to official information undermines public confidence, fuels speculation, and weakens the transparency that is essential during emergencies. The government must ensure that all media organisations are afforded equal and fair access to official briefings and updates. WPA strongly condemns the government’s politicisation of this tragedy.
WPA also urges the government to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the MV Barima. Such an investigation should identify any failures in safety protocols, vessel regulation, emergency preparedness, or oversight, and its findings should be made public. Lessons must be learned to reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.