The Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Barima today said it was working to begin public hearings later this month and invited survivors, relatives and other persons with relevant information to come forward.
The announcement came amid mounting concerns raised over the delay in commencing hearings and the approaching September 30 deadline for the submission of the commission’s report.
In a press release, the commission said hearings will be held publicly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and that a secretariat has been established to provide administrative, research and logistical support.
It said that since the commissioners were appointed on July 30, they had undertaken the following:
* Conducted a preliminary, in-person survey of the site of the disaster;
* Secured the Arthur Chung Conference Centre as the venue for public hearings;
* Established the commission’s secretariat;
* Begun obtaining information from the Maritime Administration Department, Transport and Harbours Department and the Guyana Coast Guard and Air Guard;
* Started analysing documents concerning the seaworthiness of the *Barima*, the conditions under which it sailed and the operation of the crew during the voyage;
* Compiled a list of potential witnesses and started preparing an interview schedule;
* Drafted rules of procedure governing the inquiry; and
* Begun developing a dedicated website to serve as the authoritative public record of the inquiry.
The rules, which the commission said are in the final stages of completion, are intended to ensure that the inquiry is open, transparent, orderly, fair and effective. They are expected to be published shortly.
The commission said it recognised the high level of public interest in the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and the resulting loss of life and pledged to conduct its work independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, “without fear or favour.”
It said the relevant technical, documentary and witness evidence must be properly identified and assessed before the hearings begin to ensure that the proceedings are conducted efficiently and effectively.
The commission added that all persons with relevant information must be given a fair opportunity to contribute to the inquiry.
“The Commission is working assiduously to commence the Inquiry later this month,” it said, while thanking the public for its patience and cooperation.
In a separate notice, the commission invited members of the public, government and non-governmental organisations, private and public entities and members of the international community with relevant information or recommendations to contact its secretariat.
The secretariat is located at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, 5-E Half Orchid Drive, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Information can also be submitted by email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or via WhatsApp on 674-7473.
The notice said persons with information relevant to the inquiry’s terms of reference will be required to appear and give evidence at a time set by the commissioners.
The commission, established under Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, is empowered to summon persons and compel the production of books, plans and documents relevant to its work.
Its mandate is to conduct a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into the capsizing, the loss of lives, the response to the disaster and all connected matters.
It is expected to establish the sequence of events; determine the immediate, direct, contributing and systemic causes; identify failures; assess compliance with legal and safety requirements; recommend accountability where warranted; and propose reforms to prevent a recurrence.
In examining the technical aspects of the disaster, the commission may consider national laws and internationally recognised marine-casualty investigation principles and standards, including the Casualty Investigation Code.
Its mandate, however, is not confined to a safety investigation and extends to public accountability, institutional performance and reform.
The five-member commission is chaired by former Belize Chief Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith. Its other members are forensic naval architect Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, Captain Hamada Fouda, Trinidad and Tobago attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard.
The Barima capsized on July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Seventy-three deaths have been confirmed and dozens of persons remain missing. The wreck remains submerged while the government pursues a procurement process for its salvage.
The vessel’s captain, chief mate and a Transport and Harbours Department goods superintendent have since been charged with 73 counts of murder.
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