The Commission of Inquiry (CO) into the July 18, 2026 sinking of the MV Barima has compiled a list of potential witnesses and is preparing a preliminary schedule for interviewing them as it works towards the commencement of public hearings later this month.
In a General Notice to the public issued on September 1, Secretary to the Commission Javed Shadick said the Commission is inviting members of the public, government and non-governmental organisations, private and public entities and the international community who possess relevant information or recommendations to contact the Secretariat.
The Commission has also made clear that persons with information relevant to its Terms of Reference may be required to appear before it and give evidence.
“Note that all persons with information relevant to the Terms of Reference will be required to attend and give evidence before the Commission at a time and hour as the Commissioners shall prescribe,” the notice states.
The Commission is also statutorily empowered to summon persons to give evidence or produce documents connected to the inquiry.
“The Commission is statutorily empowered to summon any person to attend and give evidence or to produce books, plans or documents at any sitting of the Commission and give testimony connected with the inquiry as the Commissioners shall prescribe,” the notice states.
The development comes as the five-member Commission continues preparatory work ahead of the public hearings.
According to the Commission, its preparatory work began following the appointment of the Commissioners on July 30 and has included a preliminary in-person survey of the accident site and arrangements for the venue at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where the hearings will be held in public.
The Commission has also established its Secretariat to provide administrative, research and logistical support.
Meanwhile, the Commission is acquiring data and information from several public institutions likely to have information concerning the capsizing of the Barima. These include the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Transport and Harbours Division, the Guyana Coast Guard and the Air Guard.
Guyana Standard understands that this process is ongoing.
The Commission has also begun a preliminary analysis of documentation received to date concerning various aspects of the vessel’s seaworthiness, including the conditions under which the vessel sailed and crew operations during the voyage.
The Rules of Procedure governing the Commission’s work have also been drafted and are in the final phase of completion. The Commission said the rules are intended to ensure that the inquiry is “open to all, transparent, orderly, fair and effective” and will be published shortly.
A dedicated website is also being developed to serve as the Commission’s “single authoritative public record” and to promote transparency and accessibility.
Members of the public and organisations with relevant information can contact the Office of the Secretariat at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, 5-E Half Orchid Drive, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, or submit information by email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected] “”) or via WhatsApp on 592-674-7473.
