Govt vows tougher actions against illegal use of Guyana’s maritime flag

The Government of Guyana plans to intensify its crackdown on fraudulent ship registries and defend the integrity of the Guyana flag, even as it continues the pursuit of bringing Captain Suniel Kumar to justice for alleged maritime fraud.
“Guyana maintains a closed ship registry, and the Government is prepared to invest the financial and technical resources required to preserve the integrity and reputation of the national flag,” Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar affirmed as he addressed the Second Annual Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from July 13 to 15, 2026, Indar’s Ministry said in a statement.
Government, he said, speaking at a symposium attended by representatives from more than 100 countries, brought together officials from the United States (US) Department of State, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the CARICOM Secretariat, and registries from Liberia, Cyprus, Sierra Leone and Honduras, among others, and understands the importance of international cooperation. Indar also highlighted that Guyana’s enforcement successes were achieved through collaboration with partners across the maritime community and pledged continued cooperation.

“With the continued support of the International Maritime Organisation and the wider maritime community, Guyana is strengthening its systems to identify and prevent the registration of vessels suspected of engaging in illicit activities,” he said. Indar stated that coordinated enforcement initiatives have yielded notable successes in curbing maritime fraud involving vessels unlawfully bearing Guyana’s flag. Among the most prominent cases was the MT Skipper, intercepted off Venezuela’s coast in December 2025 after evidence revealed its fraudulent registration. Similarly, in April 2026, authorities detained the MT Majestic X.
The Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation singled out alleged perpetrator Captain Suniel Kumar, described as a lead figure in fraudulent registry activities across more than 14 countries, and he vowed to bring him to justice for crimes that have tarnished this country’s maritime image. “The Ministry is actively engaging all relevant local and international law enforcement agencies to bring Captain Suniel Kumar – a lead perpetrator of fraudulent registry activities – and those of his ilk to account,” he said. And while fraud prevention is central, Guyana also aims to expand its legitimate maritime trade. Indar explained that the Government is encouraging citizens and companies to register vessels under the Guyana flag, thereby strengthening the national fleet and supporting economic growth. Minister Indar was accompanied by Captain Stephen Thomas, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).