MV Barima tragedy: Pres Ali urges diligent, fair & independent investigation as 5-member CoI sworn in

– says, “Every lesson to be learned from this tragedy will be learned”

The five-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) appointed by President Dr Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the July 18, 2026 capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima off the Essequibo Coast has been formally sworn in.
Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman administered the oath of office to the five Commissioners – four in person and one virtually – at State House, Main Street, Georgetown, on Thursday.

The four Commissioners who appeared in person are the following: Captain Hamada Fouda, a senior maritime surveyor and compliance auditor with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Nyree Dawn Alfonso, an Attorney-at-Law with expertise in admiralty and maritime law in Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, a naval architect and marine engineer who has advised on investigations into several major maritime disasters; and Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard, a maritime professional with decades of experience in maritime operations and maritime security from Trinidad and Tobago.
Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, a Caricom High-Level Representative for Law and Criminal Justice and an ad hoc justice of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, who has been appointed as Chairman of the Commission, was sworn in virtually.
Delivering brief remarks during Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony, President Ali noted that even as the country mourns those who lost their lives and stands in solidarity with the survivors and their loved ones, it has a solemn duty to establish the truth behind the MV Barima tragedy.

“Our nation deserves a full, fair, and impartial account of what occurred, why it occurred, and what must be done to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. It is in fulfilment of that responsibility that this Commission of Inquiry has been established,” he posited.
The Commission has been entrusted with a comprehensive mandate to enquire into every relevant aspect of this disaster. With Terms of Reference (ToRs) that are deliberately broad and searching, the Commission is required to determine the facts, examine the causes and contributing factors, evaluate compliance with applicable laws and operational standards, assess the effectiveness of the search, rescue, and recovery operations, identify any shortcomings or failures, and recommend reforms necessary to strengthen the safety and resilience of the local maritime transportation system.
According to President Ali, “The nation awaits such a report. The families who have suffered unimaginable loss await these answers. Future generations deserve the assurance that every lesson that can be learned from this tragedy will indeed be learnt.”
The Head of State is confident that this Commission, which comprises individuals of exceptional professional standing and distinction, will deliver such answers to the grieving nation.

“Collectively, they possess expertise in law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulations, and disaster investigation. Their experience, competence, and integrity will enhance the professionalism, depth, and credibility of this inquiry. Equally important is the confidence that the public must have. This Commission meets the highest benchmarks of independence, impartiality, and objectivity. They will determine their own procedures in the conduct of their work, guided by evidence and the law,” the President emphasised.
The Guyanese leader further expressed appreciation to the five Commissioners for their willingness to undertake this important task.
“You have accepted a responsibility of enormous consequence, and I thank you for placing your knowledge, experience, and judgement in the service of our nation at this critical time. I wish to assure you that the Government will provide the Commission with administrative, technical, financial, and logistical support necessary for the effective discharge of its mandate. Every resource required to facilitate a thorough, professional, and independent inquiry will be made available. I have every confidence that you will carry out your work with diligence, integrity, fairness, and independence,” President Ali stated.
The CoI, which was established under Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, and is in keeping with an earlier commitment made by the Guyanese Government, is expected to submit its findings, observations, and recommendations to President Ali upon completion of its work.
MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), with 179 people on board when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast on the night of Saturday, July 18.
While at least 76 persons survived the horrific boat accident, 73 persons have been confirmed dead, and another 30 are still missing. Efforts to reposition the sunken vessel, which is lying on the seabed about nine miles off the Essequibo Coast, were futile.
Drivers from the French Army, who were working with locals during the search and recovery operations, had informed anxious family members of the harsh conditions they faced during the diving operations to the sunken ferry.
The Government says that it will be up to the families of those persons still unaccounted for to determine why the sunken vessel is salvaged. It was previously explained that salvaging the ship could affect the integrity of the vessel and even cause damage to any bodies that are potentially trapped inside. In fact, the French divers had told relatives that salvaging the vessel would be a difficult task.
Meanwhile, the Captain and one other crew member, along with a staff member from the Transport and Harbours Department (THD), have been charged for the deaths caused by the horrific boat accident.