MV Barima COI to formally open on Wednesday

(Kaieteur News) – The secretary to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the capsizing of the vessel MV Barima, Javed Shadick, has officially announced the commencement of the commission’s proceedings, marking a critical step forward in investigating the tragic maritime disaster.

The formal rollout begins on Tuesday, 6th October, 2026, with a media briefing hosted by the secretariat at 10:30 a.m. in the Lula Room at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal.

Following the press announcement, the COI will convene its formal opening session on Wednesday, 7th October, 2026. To ensure transparency and direct engagement with victims’ relatives across the country, the HEART Initiative secretariat issued a memorandum outlining an extensive schedule of public consultations and support sessions for affected families across Regions One, Three, Four, Five, and Six on Wednesday, 7th October, 2026 (1:00 p.m.). Following the morning’s formal opening, direct consultation sessions will be held at the conference centre for affected families residing in Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six. On Monday, 12th October, 2026, the COI team will travel to Region One to meet directly with families at the Kumaka Waterfront.