Public hearings into Guyana’s MV Barima tragedy could begin this month
Key Points(5)
- The Commission of Inquiry investigating the MV Barima tragedy in Guyana says public hearings could begin later this month as commissioners gather evidence, identify potential witnesses and finalize procedures for the inquiry.
- In an update on its work, the commission said it began preparations immediately after its appointment, including establishing a framework for handling its broad mandate.
- The commission has conducted a preliminary in-person survey of the accident site and secured the Arthur Chung Conference Centre as the venue for the hearings, which will be open to the public.
- A secretariat has also been established to provide administrative, research and logistical support.
- Investigators are now obtaining data and other information from several public institutions that could have material related to the capsizing of the MV Barima.
The Commission of Inquiry investigating the MV Barima tragedy in Guyana says public hearings could begin later this month as commissioners gather evidence, identify potential witnesses and finalize procedures for the inquiry.
In an update on its work, the commission said it began preparations immediately after its appointment, including establishing a framework for handling its broad mandate.
The commission has conducted a preliminary in-person survey of the accident site and secured the Arthur Chung Conference Centre as the venue for the hearings, which will be open to the public.
A secretariat has also been established to provide administrative, research and logistical support.
Investigators are now obtaining data and other information from several public institutions that could have material related to the capsizing of the MV Barima. These include the Maritime Administration Department, the Transport and Harbours Department, the Guyana Coast Guard and the Air Guard.
The commission said the information is being gathered in accordance with international maritime conventions, related regulations and the Guyana Shipping Act.
Commissioners have also begun analyzing documents concerning the vessel’s seaworthiness, the conditions under which it sailed and the crew’s operation of the vessel during the voyage.
A list of potential witnesses is being compiled, while officials are preparing a preliminary schedule for witness interviews.
The commission said its Rules of Procedure are in the final stages of completion and will be published shortly. The rules are intended to ensure that the inquiry is transparent, orderly, fair and accessible.
Work is also underway on a dedicated website that will serve as the commission’s authoritative public record and provide greater access to information surrounding the inquiry.
The five-member Commission of Inquiry was sworn in on July 30, with President Irfaan Ali pledging the government’s support for its work.
The commission acknowledged the “immense public interest” surrounding the tragedy and pledged to conduct its investigation “impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour.”
It said relevant technical, documentary and witness evidence must be properly identified and assessed before hearings begin to ensure the proceedings can be conducted efficiently.
“It is also very important that all persons with relevant information have a fair opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry,” the commission said, adding that it is working to begin proceedings later this month.
Further details on the start date, schedule and conduct of the public hearings will be announced once arrangements are finalized.
The commission has meanwhile invited members of the public, government and nongovernmental organizations, private and public entities, and members of the international community with relevant information or recommendations to contact its secretariat at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal.
