Former Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice Carl Singh has indicated that he intends to represent Public Works Minister Juan Edghill before the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy, citing criticism of the minister in the public and media.
Singh asked to be allowed to attend the proceedings when necessary. Commission Chairman Justice Godfrey Smith requested that he submit a letter or email formally stating whom he intended to represent and the reasons, following which the commission would respond. Smith indicated that he did not foresee any difficulty with the request.
Edghill has faced sustained pressure to resign following the July 18 sinking of the state-operated ferry while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Calls for his removal have come from opposition representatives, civil society organisations and protesters demanding accountability for the disaster.
Many have argued that Edghill should accept responsibility as the minister responsible for the Ministry of Public Works. The issue also reached a public consultation at Matthews Ridge in August, where President Irfaan Ali was pressed about demands for the removal of Edghill and former junior Public Works Minister Deodat Indar. Ali pointed to the establishment of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Commission Javid Shaddick informed the media that livestreaming of the hearings would not be permitted. Media representatives would be allowed to record the proceedings, but could not broadcast them live.
The media was also informed that standard operating procedures were being developed to govern its coverage of the inquiry.
The commission is examining the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the Barima, including the vessel’s condition and loading, the conduct of the voyage, and the search, rescue and recovery response. Its published rules provide for public hearings and allow relatives of those who died or went missing, as well as others with a substantial and direct interest, to apply for standing.
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