MV Barima Commission of Inquiry Advances Preparations For Public Hearings

GEORGETOWN, Guyana - The Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima that left 73 people dead and more than 30 others missing and feared dead, said it is finalising arrangements for the beginning of public hearings in the tragedy.

Javid ShadickAttorney Javid Shadick said that the Commission’s secretariat is currently addressing the legal and administrative requirements that will guide its proceedings, adding “they’re working on checking the legal aspects”.

Shadick said that the Commission is considering the various scenarios that may arise during the hearings and that once the arrangements are completed, a public notice will be issued outlining the details and informing the public and media on how the hearings will be conducted.

The five-member Commission, chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, was sworn in by President Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the MV Barima. To date, 76 passengers and crew members have been rescued.

The government has since initiated efforts to recover the sunken vessel, which is located in approximately 13 to 15 metres of water, with strong tidal currents, limited underwater visibility and challenging sea conditions presenting significant technical considerations for the salvage operation.