Former President Donald Ramotar has criticised the parliamentary response of the opposition to the deadly MV Barima tragedy, arguing that the National Assembly should have served as a forum for national unity, compassion and solidarity with grieving families rather than partisan confrontation.
In a statement, Ramotar described the sinking of the MV Barima, which claimed numerous lives, as “one of the most tragic and traumatic events” in Guyana’s history, saying the disaster had deeply affected citizens across the country, including many with no personal connection to the victims.
Ramotar said the government had made every possible effort to support survivors and bereaved families, commending President Dr. Irfaan Ali for personally leading the national response.
“The government has been doing everything, humanly and practically possible to help ease the suffering of the families,” Ramotar said, adding that the President and government officials had remained accessible to those affected throughout the crisis.
However, the former president expressed disappointment with what he described as the opposition’s conduct during the first sitting of the National Assembly following the tragedy on July 27.
According to Ramotar, the parliamentary session should have reflected the nation’s collective grief and provided reassurance to victims’ families that they had the support of the entire country, including Guyanese living abroad.
Instead, he accused opposition members of using the occasion to score political points through attacks on government ministers rather than offering condolences or demonstrating solidarity.
“The behaviour of the opposition was nothing short of hooliganism and thuggery,” Ramotar said, arguing that the proceedings failed to honour those who died or comfort survivors still coping with the trauma.
He said the opposition had missed an opportunity to demonstrate statesmanship and could instead have focused on preparing evidence and recommendations for the Commission of Inquiry announced by the government to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Ramotar also drew a historical comparison with the aftermath of the 1978 Jonestown Massacre in Guyana’s North West District. He recalled that although most of the victims were American citizens, opposition parties at the time conducted themselves with dignity, respect and solemnity, reflecting the mood of the nation.
“Yes, the opposition would have lots of questions,” Ramotar said. “But they exhibited a callous disregard for the dead and for their grieving families when the National Assembly met for the first time after the tragic and unfortunate incident.”
The government has announced that a Commission of Inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy as the country continues mourning the victims and supporting survivors and their families.