CoI set to begin public hearings later this month

MV Barima tragedy

…as rules of procedure being finalised

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was set up to probe the July 18 capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima is finalising arrangements to commence public hearings in the coming weeks.
A statement on Wednesday said, “…the Commission is working assiduously to commence the Inquiry later this month.”
Following their appointment on July 30, the five-member Commission immediately commenced preparatory work necessary to progress on the very broad mandate given to them.

Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize will chair the proceedings along with Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Trinidadian Attorney-at-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, and Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard from Trinidad and Tobago.
Providing an update on their work since being appointed over a month ago, the Commission disclosed on Wednesday that it has so far made a preliminary in-person survey of the accident site, identified the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) to hold public hearings, and established a Secretariat for administrative, research, and logistical support.
However, the Commission is still working on acquiring data and information from a number of public institutions, including the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Transport and Harbours Department (THD), and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, that are likely to have information on the capsizing of the Barima, in accordance with the requirements of international maritime conventions and the regulations made under the same and the Guyana Shipping Act.
Additionally, a preliminary analysis is being conducted on the documentation received to date regarding various aspects of the seaworthiness of the ferry vessel, such as the conditions under which she sailed and crew operation during the voyage.
Works are also ongoing to compile a list of potential witnesses and prepare a preliminary schedule for interviewing them, while a dedicated public website for the CoI is being established to promote transparency and accessibility.

Rules of Procedure
Moreover, the Rules of Procedure are being drafted to govern how the Commission will approach its work.

These rules, it was noted, will ensure that the inquiry is open to all, transparent, orderly, fair and effective and will be published shortly.
According to the Commission, it fully recognises and understands the immense public interest in the circumstances of the MV Barima tragedy and the resultant loss of life. But even as it commits to work independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, the Commission underscored the importance of doing so within the terms of its mandate and in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. Those rules, it pointed out, are in the final phase of completion.
“The Commission considers it essential that the relevant technical, documentary and witness evidence be properly identified and assessed before the public hearings commence to ensure that the proceedings are efficiently and effectively conducted. It is also very important that all persons with relevant information have a fair opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry,” it stated.
As the necessary preparatory groundworks continue, the Commission is committed to providing further details on the commencement, conduct and schedule of public hearings once those are finalised.

Answers being sought
Meanwhile, as the five-member Commission prepares to start its work, Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek on Tuesday said she is confident that the CoI will deliver the answers being sought.
“To the families and friends of the MV Barima tragedy, you are close to our hearts. You are in our prayers, and we stand by you every day. And we have every confidence that the Commission of Inquiry will provide the necessary answers for you,” Shadeek stated during the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on Tuesday evening.
The MV Barima had left Port Georgetown on July 18 with some 179 persons onboard, en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast. While 76 persons survived the horrific ferry accident, 73 others have been confirmed dead, and another 30 remain unaccounted for.
So far, three crew members, including the captain of the vessel, were charged and remanded on 72 counts of murder.
President Dr Irfaan Ali subsequently appointed the five-member commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and submit its findings, observations and recommendations to the Guyana government.
In the meanwhile, the government is providing widespread support to the survivors and families under the Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust (HEART) initiative, which will provide long-term, multistakeholder assistance.
The government is also moving to salvage the sunken vessel and has already received several Expressions of Interest (EoI) last month. Those proposals are being examined.