GEORGETOWN, Guyana Former Minister of Public Works David Patterson has called for an independent investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima, arguing that the tragedy raises serious questions about the vessel’s maintenance history, operational oversight, passenger management, and the government’s handling of the country’s aging ferry fleet.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Patterson extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, expressed support for survivors, and commended those currently engaged in recovery operations.

“I wish to address the serious concerns surrounding the MV Barima, its maintenance history, its operation, and the urgent need to protect the travelling public,” Patterson said. Patterson noted that the MV Barima, commissioned in 1939, had served Guyana for decades, particularly on the Northwest route, carrying an estimated 150 passengers and approximately 290 metric tonnes of cargo by design. Given the vessel’s advanced age, he argued that maintenance should never have been viewed as routine administrative work. “For a vessel this age, maintenance is not a routine administrative matter. It is a matter of public safety,” he said.