GEORGETOWN – The Commission of Inquiry, appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the July 18 capsizing of the M/V “BARIMA” that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people, says it is committed to conducting its work “independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour” and in accordance with its terms of mandate.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old state-owned passenger ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Guyana as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region, resulting in Guyana’s deadliest maritime disaster with 73 confirmed deaths and 30 others missing and presumed dead.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips had despite the official manifest indicating that 116 passengers and a crew of 17 had been on board the vessel, the authorities believe that 179 people including the crew members were on the vessel when it capsized after being hit by a large wave.
The Commission said it is “working assiduously to commence the Inquiry later this month”.
President Irfaan Ali had on July 30, sworn into office, the five-member Commission, chaired by retired Justice from Belize, Godfrey Philip Smith, to “conduct a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into all circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the M/V “BARIMA”, the tragic loss of life, the response thereto, and all matters reasonably connected there with”.
In a statement providing an update on its work to date, the Commission said it has since arranged for acquisition of important data and information from a number of public institutions likely to have information touching and concerning the capsizing of the Barima.
It said the acquisition is in accordance with the requirements of international maritime conventions, the regulations made under same and the Guyana Shipping Act and that these institutions include: MARAD, Transport and Harbours Division, the Guyana Coast Guard and Air Guard.
In addition, it said it has made preliminary analysis of the documentation received to date regarding various aspects of the seaworthiness of the M/V “BARIMA”, such as the conditions under which it sailed, and the crew operation during the the ill-fated voyage.
The Commission said that it has also compiled a list of potential witnesses and is preparing a preliminary schedule for interviewing them and that it has also drafted the Rules of Procedure governing how it will approach its work. (CMC)