33 Days, No Hearings: FGM Demands Action on Barima Inquiry

By Mark DaCosta- The ongoing delay in the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry disaster has raised serious concerns about the prioritisation of maritime safety in Guyana. The Forward Guyana Movement, led by Amanza Walton-Desir, has issued a press statement highlighting the troubling absence of progress, with 33 days passing since the Commission’s formation without any hearings. The statement underscores a stark contrast to the Commission of Inquiry into the 2020 General and Regional Elections, which moved swiftly to its objectives.

The pressing theme of the Forward Guyana Movement’s report revolves around the apparent lack of commitment to ensuring that the Barima Commission meets its critical deadlines. Originally constituted on July 30, 2026, this Commission has yet to commence any investigative hearings, a concerning stagnation considering the tragedy that unfolded. With a looming two-month deadline for submitting its report, which is fast approaching on September 30, the critical question arises: why has there been no significant advancement in the inquiry?

The information presented in the press release makes it clear that Secretary Javed Shadick’s updates have consistently highlighted the Commission’s administrative delays. “No commencement date had been fixed, and the overseas based commissioners had not indicated when they would arrive in Guyana,” Shadick mentioned. This lack of urgency – the statement implies – in responding to such a serious incident is alarming and raises suspicions about the prioritisation of safety within our ferry operations.