Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali has officially issued an Extraordinary Gazette officially establishing an independent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the catastrophic capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima.

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the MV Barima, operated by the Transport & Harbours Department, capsized approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Region Two (between Better Success and Dartmouth) while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. The tragic incident resulted in loss of life, injuries, missing persons, and total loss of cargo and the vessel.

A five-member panel chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith has been appointed to conduct an exhaustive investigation. The CoI’s detailed Terms of Reference cover: