Former government minister and former Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson is demanding answers from the PPP/C Government over its handling of the MV Barima tragedy, saying grieving families continue to face uncertainty, inadequate support and a painful lack of closure more than a month after the disaster.

In a strongly worded letter published today by Village Voice News, Ferguson said the Government’s response since the July 18 sinking has appeared “casual and uncaring”, particularly towards families still searching for answers about their loved ones.

The MV Barima departed Georgetown on July 18 for Port Kaituma but capsized off Guyana’s northwest coast late that night. Initial official records listed 133 people aboard—116 passengers and 17 crew—but the Government later revised its estimate, saying as many as 179 people were actually on the vessel after reviewing CCTV footage, records and other information.