FGM concerned about sloth in Barima COI

(Kaieteur News) – Thirty-three days have elapsed since the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster was formally constituted and its members sworn in on July 30, 2026. Yet, no public hearing has been scheduled, no witnesses have been called, and no notice has been issued to the public.

The state-owned, 87-year-old ferry capsized and sank off Guyana’s coast near Iron Punt and the Pomeroon River on July 18, 2026, claiming 73 confirmed lives, with approximately 30 passengers still missing.

In a press statement issued Tuesday, September 1, the Forward Guyana Movement called out the complete lack of momentum, noting that more than half of the commission’s original two-month reporting deadline has already expired. Under its establishing instrument, the commission is mandated to submit its final report by October unless an extension is granted by the president.