Guyana commission of inquiry prepares for public hearings into MV Barima sinking
Key Points(5)
- Guyana’s Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima is finalizing preparations for public hearings, with details expected to be announced once the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are completed.
- Attorney Javid Shadick, secretary to the commission, told the Department of Public Information on Thursday that the secretariat is reviewing the legal requirements and procedures that will guide the hearings.
- “They’re working on checking the legal aspects,” Shadick said, explaining that the commission is considering the various circumstances and scenarios that could arise during the proceedings.
- Once the arrangements are finalized, the commission will issue a public notice outlining how the hearings will be conducted and providing information for members of the public and the media.
- The five-member commission was sworn in by President Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima.
Guyana’s Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima is finalizing preparations for public hearings, with details expected to be announced once the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are completed.
Attorney Javid Shadick, secretary to the commission, told the Department of Public Information on Thursday that the secretariat is reviewing the legal requirements and procedures that will guide the hearings.
“They’re working on checking the legal aspects,” Shadick said, explaining that the commission is considering the various circumstances and scenarios that could arise during the proceedings.
Once the arrangements are finalized, the commission will issue a public notice outlining how the hearings will be conducted and providing information for members of the public and the media.
The five-member commission was sworn in by President Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima.
The commission is chaired by Belizean Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith. Its other members are Polish physician Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, Jamaican Captain Hamada Fouda, Trinidad and Tobago attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral (Ret.) Hayden Pritchard.
The inquiry comes as authorities continue efforts to account for those affected by the disaster.
According to the government, 76 passengers and crew members have been rescued, while 73 people have been confirmed dead and 30 remain unaccounted for.
Authorities are also pursuing the recovery of the sunken vessel. The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, through the Maritime Administration Department, is seeking a specialized marine salvage contractor for the operation.
The MV Barima lies in approximately 13 to 15 meters of water. Strong tidal currents, limited underwater visibility and difficult sea conditions are among the technical challenges expected to affect the salvage operation.
Meanwhile, Ali has established the HEART Initiative to provide support to survivors and families affected by the tragedy. The initiative brings together humanitarian assistance, psychosocial and trauma counseling, social services, spiritual guidance and other forms of support.
At the conclusion of its investigation, the commission is expected to submit its findings, observations and recommendations to the president.
