Guyana opposition leader presses for salvage of sunken MV Barima

What this source establishes

Mohamed is quoted: "The families want the vessel to float and the families told me even if it is the bones themselves, they want the bones because it will bring some closure to them." Mohamed is quoted alleging: "But the prime minister and the Government don't want this vessel to float because they know there are a lot of bodies under there, and they know that when they salvage the vessel there are a lot of mechanical problems—the anchor is not working, the electronic systems and only one engine was working. So tha

Key claims

• Mohamed is quoted: "The families want the vessel to float and the families told me even if it is the bones themselves, they want the bones because it will bring some closure to them."
• [ALLEGATION] Mohamed is quoted alleging: "But the prime minister and the Government don't want this vessel to float because they know there are a lot of bodies under there, and they know that when they salvage the vessel there are a lot of mechanical problems—the anchor is not working, the electronic systems and only one engine was working. So that is their concern, how they will look." The article expressly adds: "The government has not confirmed those claims."
• [SINGLE SOURCE] Mohamed on the inquiry's capture risk: "If Edghill and Indar are still within the system, they will influence everything that the commission will request and so we will not get any justice from this commission." This direct quote appears only in this CNW version, not in the parallel CMC copy.
• Prime Minister Mark Phillips said authorities have received "several local and international offers of assistance" on salvage but will be guided by the wishes of victims' families.
• Phillips said earlier in the week that additional bodies could still be inside the vessel.
• Phillips said the Commission of Inquiry will continue regardless of whether the ferry is recovered.
• "More than 30 people remain missing."
• Mohamed's remarks were made Wednesday during an Amerindian Peoples Association protest outside the Office of the President.

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