MV Barima COI in ICU

Oct 11, 2026 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column

(Kaieteur News) – I want to give the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry (COI) the space of grace. How can I (any Guyanese)? Check its origins. Revisit some of its personnel. Chair Smith said that the COI will follow the evidence to hell and back. It’s hoped that he and his group have asbestos suits ready, make it back. Many of the people on the MV Barima had no such luxury. The chair said that responsibility will be placed wherever it has to be. I caution this big man from a small place: that would be biting the hand that feeds him and team.

The COI had a preview of how the people who lost family members think. Their reaction to the salvage award speaks volumes. Their level of trust in Guyana’s top leader is so nonexistent that the COI members had to have wondered if there was ever any trust at all, and what happened for trust to deteriorate to such a low gutter. One COI member made some reference intended to appease about politics and about having nothing to do with Guyana’s embittering, biting, polarizing politics. A regular basket case is this country (and those who exploit it). Outsiders should develop an appreciation of why trust is where it is, and who is responsible. Guyana is the stuff of comic books and horror stories. Look at how quickly the foreigners catch on and play the game. Those talking about Guyana’s politics are products of Guyana’s politics. If there’s that inconsistency, then what credibility in the Barima COI?