-by Celestine Chacon

Commissioners investigating the sinking of the MV Barima have visited key maritime facilities as part of efforts to establish what went wrong and whether shortcomings in safety and oversight contributed to the tragedy.

The visits formed part of the Commission of Inquiry’s initial fact-finding exercise, ahead of formal hearings expected to begin next week.

The Commission, chaired by Justice Godfrey P. Smith, visited the Kingston Wharf, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department as part of its investigation.

During the visits, commissioners examined maritime operations, vessel inspection procedures and the systems responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

The exercise also provided an opportunity to assess the responsibilities of regulatory agencies and the effectiveness of existing maritime safety measures.

At the Commission’s first press conference, Commissioner and Naval Architect Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski explained why technical examinations were critical to determining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Commission is drawing on a range of legal, technical and maritime expertise to guide its investigation.

Chairman Justice Godfrey P. Smith brings judicial and legal experience, particularly in the examination of evidence, procedural fairness and accountability.

Dr. Jasionowski’s expertise in naval architecture is central to assessing the vessel’s structural condition, seaworthiness and other technical factors that may have contributed to its sinking.

The Commission also benefits from the expertise of Captain Hamada Fouda, a maritime surveyor and compliance auditor with experience in vessel inspections and maritime safety standards.

Attorney-at-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso brings expertise in admiralty and maritime law, while retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard contributes extensive experience in maritime operations, security and emergency preparedness.

Together, their expertise is helping to guide an investigation aimed at determining not only what caused the MV Barima to sink on July 18, but whether warning signs were overlooked and maritime safety regulations were properly enforced.

The Commission is also scheduled to inspect dry-dock facilities operated by GOOPIE Investments Incorporated and Guyana Ports Incorporated on Friday.

Further visits are planned for Region One next week, including Mabaruma on Monday and Port Kaituma on Tuesday, where commissioners are expected to inspect wharf facilities and meet affected families and survivors.

Formal evidence-taking is expected to begin later next week, with more than 100 witnesses potentially appearing before the Commission during the approximately six-month inquiry.

The Commission has maintained that its investigation will be guided by credible evidence, with its findings expected to establish accountability and inform recommendations for strengthening maritime safety across Guyana.