GEORGETOWN, Guyana, July 28, 2026 — The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has condemned the murder charges brought against three Transport and Harbours Department employees following the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, describing the prosecution as an attempt to make workers bear responsibility for wider institutional and regulatory failures.

Captain Kevin Price, 40, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, were jointly charged in connection with the maritime tragedy.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the GTUC called for the charges to be withdrawn immediately, arguing that the disaster should be investigated primarily as an occupational safety and health catastrophe rather than treated solely as the result of the actions of three employees.