Captain can't be blamed for everything

Dear Editor,

Primarily, my condolences to the grieving family members, friends and a sorrowful nation on the loss of lives of those who had been travelling on the M.V. Barima ferry. Minister Edghill needs to be held accountable as the Minister of Public Works and Transportation. In respectable countries, such a Minister would humbly resign, after a tragedy of this magnitude.

The details about the estimated number of passengers are unravelling and commendations should be extended to those seeking the truth about the cause(s) of the disaster. Hence, the Opposition Leader should be praised for his rapid response in trying to recover victims and visiting the survivors and their families. It is hoped that other government Ministers and officials, Party leaders and Members of Parliament, would raise a hue and cry. Countrywide protests will be appropriate to reflect the concern, grief and frustration of a nation being exposed to continuous and monstrous calamities. A few, fairly recent examples are the death of Adriana Younge and the dormitory fire where numerous children lost their lives. It seems like the vulnerable will remain vulnerable in the “unorthodox Land of Guyana.”

A statement was given by the government soon after the tragedy occurred and it attributed the cause to a wave capsizing the ferry, according to statements they received from survivors. Subsequently, they said the Captain and another crew member tested positive for narcotics. It is time to stop the disrespect and assault on our intelligence.

I wish to highlight some issues as we await reliable evidence that might be mustered.

1. The ferry was 87 years old (old by any standard). What is the expected life span of such a vessel? Despite proper maintenance, it would have had an expiry date.
2. Minister Edghill could not provide proof of the number of passengers that had boarded the vessel. The Captain is not autonomous and the blame for everything should not be placed on him. There should have been someone responsible for the manifest and checking the weight of the cargo.
3. Were more passengers and cargo allowed on board than safety guidelines had recommended?
4. Is it true that on boarding, the passengers were guided to the upper deck as there was already water in the lower deck?
5. Were the Captain and another of the crew under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs?
6. Did President Ali respond immediately with a public statement?
7. Why has the Captain not been seen publicly and allowed an interview to deny or defend his culpability and to give his reasons for what could have been the cause(s) for the tragedy. The media has been derelict in not seeking him out for an interview.
8. Were there enough life jackets and a few lifeboats on board?

We cannot let this incident fade into distant memory and remain another huge blemish on our society. Our populace, children and the vulnerable continue to be ignored and abused.