Village Voice News has received information pointing to what could become a critical new line of inquiry into the MV Barima disaster—a shipment of approximately $25 million in construction materials, allegedly destined for government projects in Region One, that sources say was loaded onto the ill-fated passenger ferry before its final voyage.

The information, which Village Voice News is continuing to independently verify, alleges the cargo belonged to Mahadeo, a contractor from the Essequibo Coast, who sources describe as an overnight contractor with close ties to the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

If confirmed, the revelation is likely to intensify questions over whether commercial cargo was allowed to take precedence over passenger safety aboard the state-owned vessel.