Presidential CoI sworn in to investigate MV Barima tragedy

The chairman and members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali were formally sworn in on Thursday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic sinking of the MV Barima.

This step by the government reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability and ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. It also fulfils a commitment made by President Ali at the outset after learning about the tragedy.

The five-member commission will be chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, CARICOM High-Level Representative for Law and Criminal Justice and an Ad Hoc Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

The other members are:

* Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer who has advised on investigations into several major maritime disasters;
* Captain Hamada Fouda, Senior Maritime Surveyor and Compliance Auditor with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica;
* Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad and Tobago, an Attorney-at-Law with expertise in Admiralty and Maritime Law; and
* Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago, a maritime professional with decades of experience in maritime operations and maritime security.

The members were administered the oath of office by Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at State House in Georgetown.

Justice Smith participated virtually.

In brief remarks, President Ali explained that the commission has been given a broad mandate to examine every relevant aspect of the disaster.

It will also determine the facts surrounding the sinking and identify its causes and contributing factors. The COI will assess compliance with maritime laws and operational standards and review the effectiveness of the search, among other areas.

“The families who have suffered unimaginable loss await these answers. Future generations deserve the assurance that every lesson that can be learned from this tragedy will indeed be learned,” President Ali said.

Emphasising the commission’s independence, the president said its composition reflects the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality.

He noted that the commissioners collectively possess internationally recognised expertise in law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulation and disaster investigations, adding that their experience will enhance the credibility and thoroughness of the inquiry.

He also assured the commissioners that the government will provide all administrative, technical, financial and logistical support required to enable a comprehensive and independent investigation.

President Ali expressed confidence that the commission will execute its mandate with diligence, integrity and fairness, while providing the answers the nation seeks following one of Guyana’s worst maritime tragedies.

The CoI was established under Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima, owned and operated by the Transport and Harbours Department, on the night of July 18, 2026.

The commission is expected to submit its findings, observations and recommendations to President Ali upon completion of its work.

Of the estimated 179 passengers and crew who were aboard the MV Barima, 72 bodies were recovered, 30 could not be accounted for, and 76 were rescued. [DPI]