President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that an independent international Commission of Inquiry will be appointed to conduct a full investigation into the MV Barima tragedy, saying the body will be empowered to establish the facts surrounding the disaster, determine whether failures occurred, and recommend reforms to strengthen Guyana’s maritime safety framework.
This is a fulfillment of the promise the president made to establish a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the MV Barima tragedy.
In an official statement, the president said the five-member commission will be unveiled on Sunday, July 26, 2026, fulfilling his commitment to ensure an impartial and credible examination of the incident that claimed several lives and left the nation in mourning.
According to the head of state, the commission will comprise distinguished local and international experts with extensive experience in law, marine engineering, maritime safety and disaster investigation.
“The commission will comprise distinguished experts and professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in relevant fields, including law, marine engineering, maritime safety, and disaster investigation. The members have been carefully selected for their independence, technical expertise, and proven ability,” President Ali stated.
The commission will operate independently, determining its own procedures while carrying out a comprehensive review of the circumstances that led to the vessel’s capsizing and sinking. Its examination will extend beyond the incident itself to include the emergency response and any related matters requiring scrutiny.
Investigators will assess a wide range of issues, including the vessel’s loading, passenger boarding procedures, seaworthiness, maintenance record, compliance with maritime laws and safety standards, the actions and competence of the master and crew, passenger management, lifesaving arrangements and the impact of weather and sea conditions.
The inquiry will also evaluate the effectiveness of the search, rescue and recovery operations, examining how agencies and other stakeholders coordinated their efforts during the response.
“The commission will be tasked with conducting a thorough, impartial examination of this tragedy, including the circumstances leading to the capsizing and sinking of the vessel, the response efforts, and all related matters,” the president said.
Additionally, the commission will be empowered to determine whether any acts of negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty or institutional failures contributed to the tragedy.
It will recommend legislative, regulatory, institutional and operational reforms necessary to prevent a recurrence.
President Ali said the inquiry forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the tragedy is independently examined and that lessons learned will guide improvements to Guyana’s maritime sector.
As the nation continues to grieve, the president called on Guyanese to stand together in compassion and solidarity with the families of the victims and survivors.
“As we continue to navigate this difficult period in our history, I ask for our continued prayers, our continued love, unconditional love, and support for the families, survivors, as a nation, as a people. Let us rise on this occasion together in love, unity, prayers, and faith,” President Ali appealed.