Smith’s Visa Revocation Deepens Barima Inquiry Credibility Crisis, Says Lall

Social commentator GHK Lall has called for the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the sinking of the MV Barima to be scrapped and reconstituted, arguing that the controversy surrounding Chairman Justice Godfrey P. Smith’s United States visa revocation has further damaged the credibility of an investigation into one of Guyana’s worst maritime disasters.

In an opinion article published by Demerara Waves on November 10, 2026, titled “Chair Smith: A Man of the Old School”, Lall praised Smith for offering to resign after learning that his US visa had been revoked, but sharply criticised President Irfaan Ali for rejecting the offer.

Full coverageIrfaan Ali Rejects Godfrey Smith’s Resignation Offer After US Revokes Visa6 reports

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Lall described Smith’s decision as an act of honour and professional responsibility, arguing that the chairman recognised the potential implications of the development for public confidence in the inquiry.