MV Barima murder case: Defence moves to halt MV Barima murder case; 3 accused remain on remand

Defence Attorney Dexter Todd on Monday confirmed that he had completed submissions in support of an application to stay the murder proceedings against two Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees charged in connection with the deadly MV Barima disaster. Todd represents Captain Kevin Price, 40, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD), known as “KP,” and goods superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCD). He told Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court that his submissions had been completed. He said they would be served on the prosecution and the attorney representing the third accused, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The matter was adjourned to October 12 when the prosecution is expected to respond to the defence submissions. The three accused, who appeared virtually via Zoom, were further remanded to prison until that date.

Marine casualty investigation

Todd had previously indicated that the defence would seek a stay of the murder proceedings on grounds of abuse of process, particularly in relation to the circumstances surrounding the marine casualty investigation into the July 18, 2026 disaster. According to him, the legal challenge centres on the defence’s contention that issues arising from the sinking of the MV Barima fall within the scope of marine casualty investigations governed by legislation, including the Shipping Act. Todd had argued that his clients had not been able to benefit from, or be guided by, those investigations and that they should be protected under the applicable law. The attorney indicated that the stay application would be advanced on several grounds and would rely on legislation and legal authorities dealing with marine casualty investigations. He also suggested that the legal challenge could have implications beyond the immediate proceedings, indicating that the defence may pursue other avenues to develop the law in this area within Guyana’s jurisprudence. Roberts is represented by attorney Everton Singh-Lammy, who previously told the court that the defence intended to file statements on his behalf.