(Kaieteur News) – President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Friday established a Safety and Compliance Audit Team to carry out a comprehensive review of safety and compliance standards for marine vessels operating in Guyana, the latest in a series of measures introduced in the wake of the MV Barima ferry disaster.

In a statement, President Ali said the move is part of government’s continuing response to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies. “As part of government’s continuing response measures to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies, I have established a Safety and Compliance Audit Team to undertake a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana,” he said.

The new team will be led by Dr. Ivor English, former Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), alongside Colonel Julius Skeete of the Guyana Defence Force and Captain Joseph Lewis, a Marine Officer and Surveyor of Ships.