By Mark DaCosta- On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the streets outside the Office of the President in Georgetown were filled with the voices of members of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) and numerous supporters. A crowd of some 200 Guyanese of varied ethnic backgrounds gathered for a peaceful but powerful protest, which brought more attention to a pressing injustice affecting Indigenous and other  communities. The focus of their outrage stems primarily from the recent sinking of the MV Barima ferry, a catastrophe that claimed over 70 lives, highlighting severe deficiencies in transportation safety and accountability within the government.

The protest, held during peak traffic hours from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, drew significant media coverage and public attention on social platforms. Protesters, holding placards and chanting in unison, conveyed a singular, urgent message: Indigenous lives matter. This stark reminder comes not just in wake of the tragic accident but also as a call for wider systemic changes that prioritise the safety and dignity of  people who rely on river transport for their daily lives and livelihoods.

The MV Barima incident, which occurred in July 2026, serves as the immediate catalyst for the peaceful protest. This tragic event exposed critical safety oversights and neglect by the authorities, prompting the APA to demand a thorough and independent investigation. The association has called for accountability from relevant government officials, including the resignations of Ministers Edghill and Indar, who are responsible for overseeing transportation. Such accountability is seen by the APA as an essential step toward ensuring that passengers will never again face such risks while traveling.