Walton Questions Govt’s Handling of MV Barima Salvage, Warns Over Integrity of Evidence

Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Leader and maritime lawyer Amanza Walton has demanded answers from the government over the salvage operation involving the sunken MV Barima, questioning why the families of victims, defence attorneys representing three accused crew members and other relevant parties were not informed before work to raise the vessel reportedly commenced.

In a strongly worded live broadcast on Wednesday, the lone FGM parliamentarian raised serious concerns about the preservation of evidence, the chain of custody and whether the authorities were complying with the legal and maritime procedures governing the recovery of a wreck.

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Walton argued that the vessel is a critical piece of evidence in the anticipated murder trial of the three crew members charged in connection with the July 18 disaster. She warned that any interference with the wreck without appropriate safeguards could raise serious questions about the integrity of evidence that may be required in court.