MV Barima tragedy: Defence files statements, accused persons further remanded – News Room Guyana
The defence team representing the captain and two crew members in connection with the deaths stemming from the MV Barima tragedy made submissions in court on Monday, as the three accused wmen ere further remanded to prison until October 12.
The matter was called before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where the defence filed statements on behalf of the accused men.
Attorney Dexter Todd, who is part of the legal team representing Kevin Price and Delon Granderson, informed the court that arrangements are being made for the statements to be physically delivered to the court before the end of the day. In the interim, he requested an email address so the documents could also be submitted electronically.
The magistrate directed that Prosecutor Mandel Moore also be provided with copies of the statements to allow him time to peruse their contents and respond when the matter returns to court on October 12.
Following the proceedings, the three accused men were further remanded to prison until that date.
Price and Granderson are represented by attorney Dexter Smartt, along with a team of lawyers including Dexter Todd, while attorney Everton Lammy-Singh represents Roberts.
The accused are 40-year-old Kevin Price, called “KP,” a captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; 42-year-old chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts of Meadow Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara; and 33-year-old goods superintendent Delon Granderson of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara. The men appeared virtually via Zoom.
They are charged with murder arising from the MV Barima tragedy of July 18, 2026, which claimed the lives of 73 people. Another 30 people remain unaccounted for, while 76 passengers survived.
Police Headquarters had previously stated that the murder charges were instituted following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The paper committal proceedings are scheduled to commence on November 16.
A day after the vessel sank, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for narcotics. The Prime Minister has since said that the accused men continue to receive psychosocial support.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
