Former Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and APNU councillor Lelon Saul has accused the Government of failing in its responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers aboard the ill-fated MV Barima, while calling for the vessel to be salvaged to facilitate a full and transparent investigation.

Speaking during a public demonstration, Saul argued that the ferry should never have been permitted to sail because it allegedly failed to meet minimum safety standards required under international maritime conventions.

“For some reason, the minister believes that he is not accountable to the nation, and we must demand accountability,” Saul declared. He contended that a proper review of the vessel’s condition would reveal that it “was not equipped to sail with passengers,” yet was nevertheless allowed to depart, resulting in what he described as the loss of more than 100 lives.