"They Treated Us Like Dogs" | Barima Survivors Speak

The Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, met with MV Barima survivors, grieving families, and residents of Port Kaituma on July 25, 2026, to hear their firsthand accounts following Guyana's worst maritime tragedy. On July 18, 2026, the MV Barima was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when tragedy struck off the Essequibo Coast, claiming dozens of lives and leaving families across Guyana searching for answers. In this powerful meeting, survivors describe the terrifying hours they spent in the Atlantic before being rescued, while families recount the devastating loss of loved ones, concerns over the treatment of the deceased, the challenges surrounding burials, and what they say has been an inadequate response in the aftermath of the disaster. Residents also speak about long-standing concerns regarding transportation, ferry conditions, emergency response, and the daily realities faced by communities in Region One. The discussion captures the voices of ordinary Guyanese sharing deeply personal testimonies of grief, survival, resilience and hope. It also highlights repeated calls for accountability, improved maritime safety, psychosocial support for survivors and families, and meaningful reforms to prevent another tragedy of this magnitude. Every testimony matters. Every life lost deserves to be remembered. Every survivor deserves to be heard. Stay with Credible Sources for continued coverage of the MV Barima tragedy and its impact on communities across Guyana.