A decision on whether to halt the murder proceedings against three Transport and Harbours Department employees charged over the MV Barima tragedy is expected on October 19, following the prosecution’s submission of its response to the defence challenge.
Prosecutor Mandel Moore filed the State’s reply on Monday before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. The magistrate set 10 a.m. next Monday to rule on the application.
Captain Kevin Price, 40, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; goods superintendent Delon Grandison, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara; and chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, appeared virtually and were further remanded.
Attorney Dexter Todd, who represents Price and Grandison, is seeking a stay of the proceedings on the grounds of alleged abuse of process. Roberts is represented by attorney Everton Singh-Lammy.
The defence challenge concerns the legal provisions governing investigations into maritime casualties. Todd has cited the Shipping Act among the legislation supporting his position that his clients are entitled to protections associated with those investigations.
The prosecution’s response places both sides’ submissions before the magistrate for consideration.
Paper committal proceedings are scheduled for November 16. At that stage, the court is expected to review the written evidence and determine whether there is a sufficient basis to commit the accused to stand trial in the High Court.
The three men were jointly charged with murder following advice from Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC. The charges arise from the deaths of passengers when the MV Barima capsized on July 18, 2026.
The 87-year-old ferry went down approximately 9.3 nautical miles off Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast. It was carrying 179 people, including 18 crew members.
The reported toll stands at 73 dead, with 76 survivors and approximately 30 people still unaccounted for.
Alongside the criminal case, a government-appointed Commission of Inquiry is examining the disaster.
The five-member commission is scheduled to begin hearing evidence on Wednesday, October 14, as it investigates the circumstances of the sinking and considers recommendations to prevent similar incidents.
