(Kaieteur News) – Since the MV Barima capsised on July 18 while en route to Port Kaituma, leaving 73 people confirmed dead and at least 30 others still missing at sea, President Irfaan Ali has not faced the local media.

Following his return to the country after the tragedy, President Ali has relied on video statements to address the nation rather than press briefings. Apart from those broadcasts, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has taken the lead in publicly addressing the disaster on behalf of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration, hosting a series of press briefings.

On Thursday, the five-member Commission of Inquiry (COI) established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy was sworn in at State House. It should be noted that no invitation was extended to the local media to cover the ceremony.