The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday used the national grief surrounding the MV Barima disaster to mount a sweeping indictment of the Government’s legislative agenda, arguing that three flagship bills before Parliament reflect the same concentration of power, weak oversight and lack of accountability that, in its view, contributed to Guyana’s deadliest maritime tragedy.

Presenting the coalition’s position at a press conference on July 24, APNU Lead Parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell said the Opposition’s objections extend beyond the substance of individual bills to what it described as an entrenched pattern of governance that places excessive authority in ministers while weakening institutional safeguards.

The statement came as public scrutiny continues to intensify over the sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima, which claimed more than 100 lives after capsizing off the Pomeroon coast on July 18. The disaster has triggered demands for ministerial accountability, independent investigations and reforms to Guyana’s maritime oversight system.