The Joint Opposition has launched a coordinated parliamentary offensive over the MV Barima disaster, unveiling three major parliamentary measures aimed at securing ministerial accountability, an independent international marine safety investigation, and urgent debate in the National Assembly. The proposals underscore the Opposition’s determination to subject the tragedy to immediate parliamentary scrutiny.

The package, announced in a statement issued on July 24, was jointly crafted by opposition parties, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC). It comes amid growing public concern over the sinking of the MV Barima on July 18, one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters, which has claimed dozens of lives and prompted widespread questions about maritime safety, vessel oversight and government accountability.

The first measure is a notice under Standing Order No. 12, signed by Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, seeking leave to adjourn the National Assembly to debate what is described as a matter of urgent public importance.