Dear Editor,
The recent edition of Sources had an interview with survivors/ family members of the MV Barima tragedy, and it was heartbreaking to see the tears, hurt and trauma that were being expressed on the show. Our people continue to suffer from this national tragedy, which is the worst in the country’s history, while the government remains slow to act to help bring accountability and justice. A mother had just spoken of losing her two children and broke down in tears and I paused the recording of the show because of the heartbreak felt when some birds in the backyard began to make lots of noise. Three birds arrived and two smaller ones flew towards me and disappeared above the roof, while the larger bird sat on a perch angrily awaiting something to happen. Even the birds in the backyard could feel what the members of the current administration do not. There was so much restlessness in the air at a time when birds would have already settled in for the evening. Nature has not ignored the pain of our people. Our politicians should not. The people are losing confidence in the current administration. All Guyanese lives must matter!
Money and handouts can never replace love for our loved ones. The Ali administration has lost credibility, and they appear to have lost their moral compass. It is time to make amends by holding senior officials and ministers accountable and by ensuring that no future tragedies occur. So many tragedies in such a short period of time is unacceptable. Safety is an Achilles heel for this administration. The evidence hidden on the sea floor must be presented. There is no good reason to delay further. Those who must be held accountable cannot hide from the long arm of the law. Families are getting angry, communities are getting angry, and the Guyanese people are getting angry. Enough is enough!
If the magnitude and depth of hurt caused by this preventable tragedy does not motivate the Ali administration to act swiftly and in the best interest of our fellow Guyanese, nothing will. Where is the humanity, where is the sense of justice and urgency? The Ali administration will continue to lose face until the bodies trapped in the MV Barima wreckage have been laid to rest. This is more urgent than a new road. It is more urgent than an additional power ship. It is more urgent than travel overseas by the president. The passage of time cannot be used to distract our people from what has occurred and what is pending. A forced celebration of heritage will not cast a shadow on this national tragedy. It will not cause us to forget the pain felt and the continual hurt being experienced by our fellow citizens. Corrupt political strategy will not succeed. Our humanity demands that we continue to care and that we continue to demand justice. The Ali administration must stand with we the people and not against us.
Do what is correct, timely, urgent, and desperately needed. Act now or lose our support for and confidence in your leadership. No government can be successful without the support of the people. If the Ali administration cannot support us in a time of need how can they expect we the people to support them when they need us. Be wise and delay no further.
With sympathy for those who continue to suffer,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana