The Chairman and members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima in Guyana were sworn in on Thursday.
The ferry, said to be carrying 116 passengers and crew, sank off the coast of Guyana on July 18th, leaving 73 people dead.
Captain Kevin Price, 40, chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and goods superintendent Delon Granderson have since been charged with multiple counts of murder arising from the maritime disaster.
Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, attended Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony, which was overseen by Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman of the Georgetown Magisterial District.
Chairman of the Commission, Justice Godfrey Philip Smith, took the oath virtually.
Speaking to the Commissioners following the ceremony, President Ali said the tragedy has brought immeasurable grief to the entire country and the truth must be uncovered as families continue to mourn.
“Our nation deserves a full, fair, and impartial account of what occurred, why it occurred, and what must be done to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. It is in fulfilment of that responsibility that this Commission of Inquiry has been established.”
He said the Commission will be given all the resources necessary to ensure it can discharge its duties and outlined what is expected.
“They 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 nation awaits such report.”
President Ali expressed confidence in the expertise of the team of Commissioners and expressed gratitude to them for taking up the task.
“The families who have suffered unimaginable loss await these answers. Future generations deserve the assurance that every lesson that can be learnt from this tragedy will indeed be learnt.”
The Commission comprises experts in various fields such as law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulations, and disaster investigation.
Among them are two Trinidadian nationals: Attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso and maritime operations and security expert, Retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard.
They are joined by Senior Maritime Surveyor, Captain Hamada Fouda, and Forensic Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Dr Andrzej Jasionowski.