GECOM vessel involved in Reg. 1 accident was being used without authorisation

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has determined, based on preliminary internal investigations, that its vessel involved in the accident on Sunday, in the Barima River, Region One (Barima-Waini), was being used without authorisation and was not engaged in any official duties at the time.

This is according to a statement issued by GECOM today. The entity said it is assisting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The GECOM-employed Captain who operated the vessel is currently in police custody and is cooperating with the authorities.

Reports indicate that the vessel collided with a sandbank near Morawhanna, resulting in several persons on board sustaining injuries.

GECOM said none of the passengers are employees of or affiliated with GECOM. The injured were rescued by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. The vessel was subsequently destroyed by a fire of unknown origin.

GECOM has since expressed its sincere appreciation to the Coast Guard for its swift and effective response in ensuring the safety of all passengers and assisted in preventing more serious injury or loss of life. The Commission also extended its best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to those injured.

“GECOM will continue to cooperate fully with the Guyana Police Force in its ongoing investigations and will await the outcome of those investigations to determine the appropriate way forward,” the statement noted.