The Alliance For Change (AFC) and Forward Guyana Movement have called for the reversal of restrictions on broadcasting the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry, arguing that public access is essential to accountability and should not depend on attending hearings in Georgetown.
In separate statements, the parties questioned the decision to prohibit live streaming, with Forward Guyana highlighting the financial burden on grieving families in Region One and other remote communities who want to follow the evidence.
“The people of Guyana deserve more than assurances that the process will be fair. They deserve a process they can see, scrutinise and trust,” the AFC said in its statement issued yesterday.
When public hearings opened on October 14, Commission Secretary Javid Shaddick informed the media that recording would be permitted but live streaming would not. He also said standard operating procedures were being prepared for the media.
Forward Guyana’s October 14 statement described the restriction as extending to both live and delayed broadcasting. It questioned how working people and relatives living outside Georgetown could meaningfully follow weeks or months of testimony without sacrificing income or incurring travel and accommodation expenses.
“A public inquiry is not made public merely by opening the doors of a room in Georgetown,” the movement said.
It argued that the commission had a duty to ensure meaningful public access and that the government, which established the inquiry, should make the necessary arrangements.
“These families have already endured an unimaginable loss. They should not now be made to sacrifice their livelihoods or incur further hardship simply to learn how their loved ones died,” it said.
The AFC, meanwhile, contended that the live-streaming restriction compounded concerns it had about the commission’s establishment, membership and terms of reference.
The party criticised what it described as an absence of meaningful consultation with the political opposition and other stakeholders. It also questioned whether the terms of reference were sufficiently broad to examine the actions and responsibilities of all relevant parties, including senior government officials.
“An inquiry must be empowered to follow the evidence wherever it leads, without fear, favour or political interference,” the AFC said.
It maintained that concerns about the appointment process made openness and public scrutiny particularly important.
The AFC acknowledged that some evidence might warrant restrictions on disclosure, but said these must be clearly justified, proportionate and consistent with the public interest. It called for the greatest possible public access, subject to legitimate legal restrictions.
Forward Guyana similarly urged the commission to reverse the broadcasting restriction and the government to ensure that the inquiry was accessible to those affected by the July 18 sinking.
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