Dear Editor,
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families of the MV Barima tragedy, who are currently experiencing unimaginable heartache. This has, since July 18, engulfed this nation in an unprecedented level of mourning and grief. I am sure that the manner of this tragedy will be indelibly engraved in the hearts and souls of all Guyanese, especially those of the families and close friends.
Social media is rife with commentators who feel compelled to share their views on the causes of the tragedy. While some may rely on facts and evidence as they claim, many have dabbled in distorted, inflammatory assumptions and conclusions, which is dangerous.
The latter category has firmly concluded that the Government is to be blamed, urging Minister Edghill and Minister Indar to resign or be fired. Massive disasters have occurred worldwide in highly developed countries, yet expert investigations are conducted, reasons analysed, and conclusions of culpability drawn. In Guyana, however, this tragic event has already been pronounced upon by the opposition.
We have heard about the unseaworthiness and overloading of the vessel and the age of the vehicle. It must be clear that age does not determine seaworthiness, especially when hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent from 2021 to 2024 and over $100 million is budgeted for rehabilitation this year.
Age-old vessels are commonplace worldwide, especially when they are properly rehabilitated, inspected, and certified as seaworthy. If there is a case of overloading, then the investigation will uncover this.
Additionally, we have seen posts by the opposition claiming that the new vessel, MV Ma Lisha, is being used for parties and frolicking by the Government while ignoring the fact that the wharf to berth the vessel has faced structural failures and delays. Again, they conveniently ignored the fact that it plies other routes. But I guess this is convenient for the opposition’s deceptive narrative. This tragedy is now a potential ballot winner for the opposition. This smacks of insincerity and hypocrisy under the guise of mourning.
In conclusion, I am confident that there will be a thorough and proper investigation, evidence will be collected, and findings and verdicts will be drawn. The president and his Government will spare no effort to get to the bottom of this tragedy.
Let us spare the families the additional emotional trauma of having to deal with unsubstantiated and falsely loaded claims. Let the actual evidence speak.