Court rejects “abuse of process” application in MV Barima murder case; matter adjourned to Nov 16

October 19 2026

Suddie Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir on Monday dismissed an “abuse of process” application filed by defense attorney Dr. Dexter Todd in the MV Barima disaster murder trial. Delivering the ruling during a virtual court sitting moments ago, Magistrate Mohabir stated firmly that the proceedings did not constitute an abuse of process.

Following the decision, the court adjourned the matter to November 16 for the formal commencement of paper committal proceedings at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The abuse of process application was filed by Dr. Todd on October 19, following full disclosure of evidence by state prosecutors. During the hearing, Dr. Todd argued that the Shipping Act mandates a comprehensive marine accident investigation before any criminal police investigation can be instituted, though he noted he was unable to cite the exact statutory sections in court.

The three accused, 40-year-old vessel Captain Kevin Price, 42-year-old Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and 33-year-old Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, appeared virtually before the magistrate facing murder charges. All three men were further remanded to prison pending their next court date.

Attorney Everton Lammy is representing Roberts, while Dr. Todd is appearing for both Price and Granderson.

The capital charges stem from the catastrophic July 18 sinking of the passenger and cargo ferry MV Barima. The maritime disaster resulted in 73 confirmed deaths, left 30 persons unaccounted for, and saw 76 survivors rescued. Police previously advised that murder charges were instituted against the crew members following formal legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).