Guyana’s State Liability and Proceedings Act, Chapter 6:05, waives the government’s traditional immunity from lawsuits in cases of negligence. In practice, this means the Transport and Harbours Department, and by extension the government itself, is not shielded from a negligence claim simply because the Barima was a government-operated vessel. He has also publicly acknowledged that the Port Kaituma wharf meant to receive the Ma Lisha, the newer vessel purchased specifically to replace the MV Barima, failed due to structural problems after the surrounding soil shifted. “The Barima is a national ferry, and the responsibility and accountability for its condition ultimately rest with the Government. NewsAmericasNow will continue following the investigation into the MV Barima disaster.