Arrests and Clashes Erupt as MV Barima Protesters Take to Streets During King's Visit

Kaieteur News reported that demonstrations organized by the families and survivors of the MV Barima maritime tragedy intensified into tense standoffs, physical altercations, and allegations of police brutality along the Georgetown Seawall on October 31, 2026. The demonstration originated near Umana Yana, where tensions escalated after law enforcement officers intercepted a drummer and threatened him with arrest. Despite this initial incident, the crowd proceeded toward the oceanfront to draw international attention to what they claimed was government negligence following the sinking of the MV Barima on July 18, 2026.

As demonstrators neared the bandstand area on the seawall, they were stopped by over 50 police officers. The police advised the group that they were trespassing and could not continue because of a private event occurring nearby. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts documented the growing frustration as citizens questioned the legal basis for restricting access to a public area, with crowds assembling near building entrances displaying placards demanding answers. Demonstrators noted that security barriers had been left open, allowing them entry. One individual questioned why they could not pass, stating, "We are Guyanese… why can’t we go to the safe town? We didn’t break no barrier!"

As officers moved to restrict movement and disperse the crowd, the situation devolved into chaotic scenes on the concrete walkways and sandy embankments as police officers surrounded, wrestled with, and physically engaged with protesters. Several protesters remained seated on the ground with their placards held aloft. Voices within the crowd requested that law enforcement desist, with one person asking, "Sir, why are you holding on to me? Please, do not… Why are you restricting my freedom? Why are you manhandling me?"

Marchers shielded female demonstrators while shouting, "Don’t push us!" and "Don’t harass the female!" Jasmin Cort experienced a collapse during the commotion after being pushed by a female police officer, leading onlookers to call out, "This woman is not well! You will kill the lady!"

Throughout the standoff, marchers voiced broader dissatisfaction with national security priorities and governance, accusing authorities of misallocating state resources to suppress peaceful citizens while serious crime remained unaddressed. One demonstrator shouted at the police line that they should be in communities addressing crime and urged the arrest of individuals, specifically naming Kharambaksh and Prem Narine, while also calling for an end to the harassment of women.

Members of Parliament who were present at the scene were also shoved during the close clustering. Despite threats of arrest, several participants refused to leave, remaining seated on the pavement. One demonstrator declared, "Let him arrest me! I want to be arrested!" adding that if they did not stand for something in the country, they would be susceptible to anything.

Jasmin Cort, whose father Neil Cort and uncle Kenrick Cort are still missing since the MV Barima disaster, described the physical confrontation with officers. Cort stated that the intention was for the world to see the true Guyana and to be the voice for their missing and deceased loved ones. She noted that they possessed no weapons or noise-making instruments, only placards and their voices. Cort detailed how three female police officers forcefully removed her from the pavement, and one officer told her, "You want to fight me?" before pushing her to the ground.

Addressing attempts to frame the protest along political lines, Cort firmly rejected any political categorization, clarifying that the demonstration was organized exclusively by the grieving families and survivors of the vessel’s sinking, not political operatives. Cort expressed that she felt ashamed to be Guyanese that day, stating that it appeared her country hated her, and affirmed that she would continue fighting for justice for her father and uncle.

Officials have not issued an official statement regarding the physical altercations or the rationale for closing sections of the public seawall at the time of reporting. The families of the MV Barima victims have maintained that their demonstrations will persist until complete accountability and answers are provided.