Trinidadian political strategist and consultant Pearce Robinson has questioned the constitutional legitimacy of the presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy, arguing that perceived conflicts of interest and the inquiry’s structure threaten public confidence before hearings have meaningfully begun.

In an opinion piece published on his social media platform, tited –The Conflicts Of Interest At The Heart Of The Mv Barima Commission– Robinson said the Commission “begins its work under a constitutional cloud,” contending that legitimate concerns arise from the backgrounds of some commissioners, the manner of their appointment and the Executive’s extensive control over the inquiry.

The Commission was established by President Irfaan Ali following the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, one of Guyana’s worst maritime disasters. The Transport and Harbours Department vessel initially departed Georgetown with the Government reporting that it carried 133 people—116 passengers and 17 crew members—before capsizing en route to Port Kaituma, Region One.