Today marks one month since the MV Barima sank off the Essequibo Coast, claiming the lives of more than 100 persons.

With the ongoing calls for the subject Ministers to be removed from office over the tragedy, President Irfaan Ali today made it clear that he will await the completion of the Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy and its recommendations before he makes any decisions. He said the independent Commission of Inquiry must be able to do its work.

Its been two weeks since the appointment of that Commission, and it is still to begin probe of the tragedy.

At a press conference this morning, the President said the Commission of Inquiry was set up to find out the truth behind the tragedy. He said he will not be involved in any speculation.

“I believe if we honestly and truly want an independent analysis, a transparent analysis then the COI having been established provides that opportunity. That is why the independence of the COI was critical and important to us, the COI having been established will conduct its work, make its determination and recommendation and then we will take it from there,” the President said.

So far, the Captain of the ferry and another crew member who survived along with the Goods Superintendent at Transport and Harbours have been charged and remanded to jail for murder over the deaths in the tragedy. A total of 73 bodies have been recovered, with more than 30 others still missing.

The President said he will not prejudice the work of the Commission of Inquiry.

“I would add nothing more to that, the work of the COI is the work that I will base my action on when the recommendations come to me, I think having established the COI independently, we have to have respect for the work of the COI,” the President said.

Meanwhile, President Ali also announced that Expressions of Interest to salvage the vessel have been closed and the shortlisting process has started, with shortlisted bidders to be asked to submit cost for the salvaging of the vessel soon.

As it relates to the COI, the President said the team has started to look at their procedures and is working out their work plan with actual work set to commence in early September.

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