(Kaieteur News) – Tensions boiled over in the West Coast Demerara (WCD) community of Den Amstel Thursday morning and evening, and later spread to a demonstration in Melanie Demishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD), as families and supporters of the MV Barima crew members charged with 72 counts of murder gathered to demand justice, accountability, and the resignation of government officials.

The captain of the ill-fated MV Barima and two other crew members were on Tuesday jointly charged with 72 counts of murder in connection with the deadly ferry disaster.

Captain Kevin Price, called “KP”, 40, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Meadow Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara; and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where they were remanded to prison.