The political fallout from the July 18 MV Barima disaster intensified on Thursday night as opposition parties and civil society groups mounted a prolonged candlelight vigil outside the South Ruimveldt residence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, declaring that the campaign to force his removal—and that of Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar—has only just begun.

For hours, the normally quiet neighbourhood echoed with hymns, prayers and chants of “Edghill must go!” and “Indar must go!” as demonstrators, many carrying lit candles, blasted the Government of failing to accept political responsibility for one of Guyana’s worst maritime disasters.

The vigil- more than 100 strong- united an unusually broad coalition of political and civic organisations, including leaders and supporters of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Alliance For Change (AFC), the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) and other civil society groups, alongside dozens of ordinary Guyanese demanding accountability.