His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali said that all resources “required to facilitate a thorough, professional and independent inquiry” into the MV Barima tragedy that occurred on July 18, 2026, will be made available to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) members.
During today’s swearing-in of the COI members at State House, the President assured that the Government “will provide the Commission with the administrative, technical, financial and logistical support necessary for the effective discharge of its mandate”.
He said that the Commission has been entrusted with a comprehensive mandate to inquire into every relevant aspect of the disaster and that its Terms of Reference (ToR) are deliberately broad and searching.
The ToR “require the Commission to determine the facts, examine the causes and contributing factors, evaluate compliance with applicable laws and operational standards, assess the effectiveness of the search, rescue and recovery operations, identify any shortcomings or failures, and recommend reforms necessary to strengthen the safety and resilience of our maritime transportation system”.
The President said that the entire nation, especially the families of loved ones who perished are awaiting the answers.
He emphasised that Guyana deserved a full, fair, impartial account of what occurred, why it occurred, and what must be done to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
“Future generations deserve the assurance that every lesson that can be learned from this tragedy will, indeed, be learned…It is in fulfilment of that responsibility that this Commission of Inquiry has been established.”
The President also noted that he is particularly pleased that the Commission comprises individuals of exceptional professional standing and distinction. “Collectively, they possess expertise in law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulation and disaster investigation. Their experience, competence and integrity will enhance the professionalism, depth and credibility of this inquiry.”
At the simple swearing-in ceremony, Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman administered the oaths to the Chair, Godfrey Philip Smith of Belize (virtually); and to the other commissioners: Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Ms Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago.
“This Commission meets the highest benchmarks of independence, impartiality and objectivity. They will determine their own procedures and conduct of their work guided by the evidence and the law.”
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Anil Nandlall; and other Government Ministers were also present.