Wisdom of the murder charge — H Bacchus — Opinion

Wisdom of the murder charge

August 6, 2026·4 min read

Dear Editor,

The decision to charge Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and Goods Superintendent Delon Grandison with 72 counts of murder in connection with the sinking of the MV Barima is legally sound and morally necessary. A tragedy like this demands more than our collective expressions of shock and horror; it demands accountability.

Some have argued that charging crew members before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry completes its work is premature. But the scales of justice and a broader investigation are not mutually exclusive. The Commission, wisely appointed by President Irfaan Ali, will examine systemic failures, the MV Barima’s seaworthiness, loading procedures, maintenance logs, and emergency response.^[1] But these things do not absolve individuals of personal responsibility when the evidence gathered so far by the Director of Public Prosecutions suggests their actions or omissions directly endangered human life.

The 72 murder charges reflect a fundamental truth that we must never lose sight of – every life is a sacred trust. To treat the deaths as mere “accidents” without legal consequence sends a dangerous message.

Early signs suggest the MV Barima disaster is already reshaping safety culture on Guyana’s rivers. There are credible reports that the captain of the ferry MV MA Lisa recently refused to sail with only one engine working, choosing instead to ground the vessel until repairs were completed.^[2]

The Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has repeatedly stressed that operators must not compromise on seaworthiness, even if it means delaying trips or losing income. His message, “If your boat isn’t safe, don’t sail.”

More visibly, river taxi operators, especially along the Essequibo and Mazaruni, are now insisting passengers wear their life jackets before departure. Some are even turning away riders who refuse. This is a direct shift from past practice, where vests were frequently treated as optional.

MARAD (Maritime Administration Department) and the Guyana Coast Guard have intensified spot checks, flagging vessels without proper documentation or safety gear.^[3] Operators found in breach are being fined and warned they’ll face prosecution.

There is no doubt in my mind that charging these men sends a powerful message to every public servant and private operator: your license to serve comes with a sacred obligation. Fail that obligation, and you will answer to the courts and to the families who will never see their loved ones again.

Justice is not revenge. Rather, it is respect for the dead, for the living, and for the rule of law that binds us all.

Sincerely,
H Bacchus

References

President Ali names international CoI to investigate MV Barima tragedy – Department of Public Information, Guyana

dpi.gov.gy · 2026-07-26

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday announced the appointment of an independent international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that will investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima, with a mandate to establish the facts, determine accountability and recommend reforms to strengthen maritime safety. ... The commission will determine its own procedures and methods of work, consistent with its mandate under the law. ... > The terms of reference will include “establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including the causes of the incident and all factors relating to the loading of the vessel, the boarding of passengers, conditions on board, the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima, and any other related matters”, the president stated. ... The commission will also conduct a comprehensive review of the search, rescue and recovery operations, examining the adequacy, coordination and effectiveness of the response by all agencies and stakeholders involved. ... > Additionally, it will “evaluate whether applicable laws, regulations, standards and operating procedures governing ferry operations were followed and determine whether any acts of negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty or other failures by any individual, entity or institution contributed to or caused the disaster.” ... The inquiry will further inspect the vessel’s condition and maintenance history, including its seaworthiness, while examining the influence of weather, sea conditions, tides, currents, navigation, communications and other environmental or operational factors that may have contributed to the incident. ... It will also assess the competence, qualifications, training and conduct of the vessel’s master and crew, including compliance with established maritime safety and emergency procedures. ... Passenger management will form another key aspect of the investigation, with the commission tasked with scrutinising embarkation procedures, passenger manifest preparation, any possible overcrowding, cargo storage, the availability and use of life-saving equipment, and adherence to passenger safety requirements. ... Based on its findings, the commission is expected to recommend legislative, regulatory, institutional and operational reforms, along with any other measures necessary to strengthen maritime safety, improve emergency preparedness and response, and reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future. ... President Ali said the legal instruments required to give effect to the commission’s establishment are currently being finalised. Once completed, the Commission of Inquiry will formally commence its work in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Sources

Wisdom of the murder charge in Guyana Times, August 6, 2026
Wisdom of the murder charge in Guyana Chronicle, August 6, 2026

More Than 200 Passengers Bound For Region One Forced To Wait For Hours Aboard M.V. Ma Lisha Amid Safety Check - HGPTV - Guyana's Nightly News and Entertainment Channel

www.hgptv.com · 2026-08-06

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — More than 200 passengers bound for Mabaruma and surrounding riverine communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) spent hours stranded aboard the ocean-going ferry M.V. Ma Lisha at the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown on Tuesday, August 4, facing growing uncertainty and food shortages as safety checks delayed the vessel’s departure until late into the night. ... The ferry was originally scheduled to set sail during the afternoon. Instead, it remained docked alongside the wharf well into Tuesday night while safety inspections continued. ... ``` [ M.V. MA LISHA DELAY & INSPECTION LOGISTICS ] │ ┌─────────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ [ Operational & Passenger Issues ] [ Parliamentary & Opposition Concerns ] - 200+ passengers boarded hours before clearance - Dr. Campbell supports captain's refusal to sail unverified - Onboard canteen exhausted food supplies - Opposition Leader Mohamed notes poor passenger communication - Departure delayed from afternoon to late Tuesday night - Safety rigor heightened post-M.V. Barima disaster ... Hearing of the prolonged delay, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, ... APNU Parliamentary Leader Dr. Terrence Campbell visited the Kingston Goods Wharf to inspect conditions and engage stranded ... Dr. Terrence Campbell commended the ship’s captain for refusing to sail until safety checks were completed, but criticized the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for boarding passengers long before inspections were finalized: ... > “He wants to avoid a situation like what happened previously… if something is to go wrong,” Dr. Terrence Campbell stated during his visit to the wharf. “The captain was right not to sail until the vessel was considered safe, but the fundamental issue is why passengers were loaded hours before safety clearance was actually granted.” ... The M.V. Ma Lisha was eventually cleared by maritime inspectors and departed the Kingston Goods Wharf late Tuesday night. While safety officials prioritized passenger security, the incident highlighted continuing deficiencies in passenger care, departure planning, and crisis communication across Guyana’s public ferry network.

After criticising maritime safety measures: US-sanctioned LOO caught travelling to Region 1 in vessel without licence, certification - Guyana Times

guyanatimesgy.com · 2026-08-06

# After criticising maritime safety measures: US-sanctioned LOO caught travelling to Region 1 in vessel without licence, certification August 6, 2026 #### After weeks of being critical of the maritime administration and its handling of safety on Guyana’s waterways following the MV Barima tragedy on July 18, United States-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his team were caught travelling to Region One (Barima-Waini) on Wednesday om a vessel without proper licences and certification. ... United States-sanctioned Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed alongside parliamentarians Tabitha Sarabo Halley and Dawn Hastings on the vessel stopped by the GDF Coast Guard ... #### The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has since confirmed that Coast Guard ranks stationed at the Pomeroon Floating Base stopped and inspected a vessel transporting Mohamed along with others, noting that it is part of routine operations. The GDF also explained that the vessel’s captain failed to produce required licences and certification for its voyage to Region One. However, despite knowing why he was stopped and the failure to produce the licence, Mohamed released a video on his Team Mohamed’s Facebook page on Wednesday, complaining of being stopped by Coast Guard ranks while on route to Region One where he planned to engage in protests. Accompanying him on the boat were Members of Parliament (MPs) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Dawn Hastings. GDF, however, confirmed that the passenger vessel destined for Moruca, Region One was stopped and inspected in accordance with established procedures, which require all vessel operators to register their journey with the Floating Base and present a valid Boat Master’s Licence, Vessel Licence, and Certificate of Inspection before proceeding. According to the GDF, the vessel’s captain was unable to produce the required licences and certification. As a result, the vessel was directed to return to Charity to obtain the relevant documentation before resuming its voyage. The GDF noted that these routine inspections are part of the Coast Guard’s efforts to promote compliance with maritime regulations, enhance vessel safety, and strengthen security along Guyana’s waterways. In this regard, the GDF encouraged all boat operators to ensure their documentation is valid and that all passengers are provided with and properly fitted with lifejackets throughout their journey.