–Captain among crew members who tested positive for marijuana
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has confirmed that two people have died in the MV Barima tragedy, including one female.
He also revealed that the vessel’s captain was among two crew members who tested positive for cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, following the incident.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday evening, Edghill said he was deeply disappointed by the drug test results, describing them as “criminal conduct.”
He did not disclose the identity of the crew members.
The minister stressed that the Ministry of Public Works maintains a zero-tolerance policy on the use of alcohol and illicit drugs while on duty, particularly for employees responsible for the safety of the travelling public.
He also confirmed that search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate those still unaccounted for.
Edghill said authorities are doing “everything humanly possible” to locate those who remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
The minister assured the public that the government is committed to determining the circumstances surrounding the incident and that anyone found to have acted negligently or in breach of the law will be held accountable.
