A five-member Commission of Inquiry (COI) has been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima, in keeping with the commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
President Ali on Sunday said the commission will examine the causes of the tragedy, review the search, rescue and recovery operations, and determine whether any acts of negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty, or other failures contributed to the disaster.
The commission, chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, also includes Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso, and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago.
The commission has been tasked with examining the causes of the tragedy, reviewing the search, rescue and recovery response, assessing compliance with maritime laws and safety regulations, and determining whether negligence or misconduct contributed to the disaster.
“The Commission will determine its own procedures and methods of work, consistent with its mandate,” the president said.
The inquiry will also inspect the vessel’s maintenance history and seaworthiness, evaluate the actions of the captain and crew, scrutinize passenger boarding procedures, cargo stowage, manifest preparation and the availability of life-saving equipment.
Upon completing its investigation, the commission is expected to recommend legislative, regulatory and operational reforms to strengthen maritime safety and emergency preparedness.