MV Barima murder-accused argue “abuse of process”

Last Updated on Monday, 14 September 2026, 11:10 by Written By Denis Chabrol

The Transport and Harbours Department’s (T&HD) goods superintendent, and the captain and first mate of the ferry, MV Barima, would next month know whether the charge of murder amounted to an “abuse of process” by police.

The trio is accused of the murder of 76 passengers and crew members on account of the sinking of the vessel on July 18 about 10 miles off the Essequibo Coast as it was enroute from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.

Charity magistrate  Ravindra Mohabir set October 19 as the date for handing down his decision after he receives submissions from defence lawyer Dexter Todd on October 28, and a reply by police legal adviser Mandel Moore on October 12.

The paper committal proceedings are scheduled to begin on November 16.

Mr Todd told the court on Monday that the sections of the Shipping Act provide first for the holding of marine accident investigation first before a criminal investigation by police. He could not immediately cite the relevant sections of the law but promised to include them in his written submissions.

Those charged are the captain, Kevin Price called “KP”, 40, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; the chief mate, Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, and the goods superintendent, Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara. They

continue to be on remand for the indictable charge pending the outcome of the decisions by the lower court. If the court finds that there is sufficient evidence for them to be trialled by a judge and jury, they would be further remanded.

The murder charge has sparked outcry by relatives, the political opposition and lawyers. They are questioning the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Hack’s wisdom in recommending that charge in the absence of establishing intent by the trio to allegedly murder those aboard.

Official figures show that of the estimated 179 passengers and crew who were aboard, 76 persons were rescued and 73 others perished in the tragedy.

A presidential commission of inquiry is scheduled to begin public hearings this month. The colonial-era ferry is yet to be salvaged by one of the three companies that have been shortlisted for negotiations.