Aug 03, 2026 Editorial, News

(Kaieteur News) – In every democracy, there comes a defining moment when a leader must stand before the people, not behind a camera, not through a carefully edited video, and certainly not shielded by aides or political surrogates. The MV Barima disaster, the worst maritime tragedy in Guyana’s modern history, is such a moment.

Yet, nearly two weeks after the catastrophe claimed 73 confirmed lives, with dozens still missing, President Irfaan Ali has not subjected himself to a single open press conference. Instead, the nation has received polished video statements, while the Prime Minister has carried the burden of facing the media. Even the swearing-in of the Commission of Inquiry was kept from the local press, with journalists reduced to watching a Facebook livestream after the event had begun.