Entire MV Barima management team suspended pending investigation

The entire management team responsible for the loading, dispatch and overall management of the MV Barima has been sent off from duty.

This decisive action, as outlined by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during a recent press conference, aims to guarantee the absolute integrity of the upcoming inquiry.

By removing the team from the workplace, the Government intends to prevent any potential tampering with or interference in evidence and materials, thereby ensuring a completely fair and unprejudiced outcome.

As part of the upcoming investigation, video footage from the Kingston Goods Wharf, the point of departure for the MV Barima, has already been extracted by the Guyana Police Force for a comprehensive review. This critical surveillance data is expected to provide vital insights into the sequence of events leading up to the incident.

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill convened a late-night meeting with the senior management staff of the Transport and Harbours Department, including the General Manager.

During this briefing, the team was formally notified of the suspension and the administrative steps moving forward.

The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough, transparent and exhaustive investigation into this tragedy to ensure full accountability.