Barima COI opens, as salvage questions linger

(Kaieteur News) – The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the disastrous capsizing and sinking of the M/V Barima has formally opened its doors to the public, inviting survivors, victims’ families, civil society and others with relevant information to submit evidence as preparations intensify for public hearings later this month.

However, while the five-member commission has reported significant progress in establishing its procedures, securing a venue and gathering technical and witness information, there was no update in its latest statement on the government’s separate efforts to salvage the 87-year-old vessel from the seabed.

The commission, established by President Irfaan Ali under Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, is chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith and includes Commissioners Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard.