While no date has been confirmed as yet for the start of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry, a venue for the public hearings has been identified, but will not be made public until the Commission begins to issue notices about its planned commencement.

Speaking briefly with News Source this morning, the Secretary to the Commission, Javid Shaddick, said the Commissioners, who are all overseas based, have not yet indicated a start date or a date for their arrival. However, he confirmed that notices for the start of the Commission will be issued through the press.

He said that public notice will also inform the public on the mechanisms that will be used during the Commission’s hearing. He said the Commissioners are currently working on those mechanisms and other details surrounding the planned public hearings.

Last week, President Irfaan Ali indicated that the Commission is expected to begin its work in September with the public hearings.

The five Members of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) established to investigate the tragic sinking of the MV Barima were officially sworn in on the 30th July. Since then, the Terms of Reference for the Commission of Inquiry have been gazetted.

Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize will serve as the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, which has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the ferry tragedy.

The Commission has been entrusted with a comprehensive mandate to inquire into every relevant aspect of the disaster.

Its Terms of Reference are broad, and require the Commission to establish the facts, examine the causes and contributing factors , evaluate compliance with applicable laws and operational standards, assess the effectiveness of the search, rescue and recovery operations; identify any shortcomings or failures and recommend reforms necessary to strengthen the safety of the local maritime sector.

The MV Barima was on its way to Port Kaituma in Region One from Georgetown when it sank off the coast of the Essequibo, claiming the lives of more than 100 persons. Just over 75 persons survived the tragedy, and many of them are expected to be key witnesses in the Commission of Inquiry.

The Captain of the vessel, another crew member and the Goods Superintendent of the Transport and Harbours Department were all charged for murder related to the deaths associated with the tragedy.

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