PRESS RELEASE -JULY 29 2026.
PRESS RELEASE
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has issued a second statement on the MV Barima tragedy, raising pointed concerns that the State’s response—particularly the sweeping decision to institute seventy-two murder charges against three individuals—may be drifting toward spectacle rather than substance. As government officials move to project decisive action, the GHRA is warning against any attempt to obscure unanswered questions, sidestep accountability, or compromise due process under the cover of legal aggression. The intervention places renewed focus on whether justice is genuinely being pursued, or strategically performed, in the aftermath of one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters.
PRESS RELEASE
GHRA MONITORING OF MURDER CHARGES IN MV BARIMA TRAGEDY
The GHRA is carefully following the statements of Defense Counsel and of the Director of Public prosecutions (DPP) regarding the seventy-two murder charges brought against three accused persons in the MV Barima tragedy. Lawyers for the accused have raised the points of intent and of protection against self-incrimination and the DPP has come out with a statement. When taken in conjunction with the announced Commission of Enquiry, the filing of murder charges appear intended to show that the government is taking massive action.
The GHRA would like to stress the importance of observing the rule of law in everything that is done in pursuit of the truth about the sinking of the Mv Barima with its extensive loss of life; the imperative need to ascertain the facts, underlying causes, and corrective measures required. Against this background, the GHRA is particularly alert to the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of the accused.
The GHRA would also like to underline the importance of the ruling party showing inclusiveness towards the Opposition in the aftermath of the disaster. Wisdom and justice demand this.
Executive Committee
Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA)
July 29 2026
56B Austin Place & Hadfield Street, P O Box 10653, Georgetown, Guyana, South America
Tel: (592)-226-1789/-227-4911 e-mail: ghraguy@gmail.com
