• international panel of experts to preside over fair and impartial account of disaster

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday charged the newly sworn-in Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the MV Barima tragedy with uncovering the full truth behind what has been described as Guyana’s worst maritime disaster. He said the nation deserves a complete, fair and impartial account of what happened and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
The five-member commission was formally sworn in at State House, with Chairman and former Belizean Justice of Appeal, Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith taking the oath of office virtually, as he is currently out of the country.
The remaining commissioners: Jamaican maritime surveyor, Captain Hamada Fouda; Trinidad and Tobago attorney, Nyree Dawn Alfonso; Polish naval architect and marine engineer, Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski; and retired Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard, were sworn in in person.
Collectively, the panel brings regional and international expertise in law, maritime operations, engineering and disaster investigation.
After Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman had administered the oath of office to the chairman and commissioners, President Ali delivered the feature address. He said the government had acted swiftly to establish the inquiry following the July 18 tragedy, which claimed dozens of lives and plunged the nation into mourning.
“I am pleased that we have been able to move with dispatch to formally swear in the Chairman and members of the Commission of Inquiry established to investigate the tragic events of July 18, 2026,” the President said.

He acknowledged the profound impact of the disaster on victims’ families, communities, and the nation, stating that Guyana continues to grieve those who lost their lives, while standing in solidarity with survivors and their loved ones.
He added, “But we have an equal, solemn duty to establish the truth.”
“Our nation deserves a full, fair and impartial account of what occurred, why it occurred, and what must be done to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.”
According to the President, that responsibility forms the basis of the commission’s work.
He explained that the inquiry has been given a wide-ranging mandate to examine every relevant aspect of the disaster, with deliberately broad terms of reference aimed at ensuring that no critical issue is overlooked.
President Ali said the Commission of Inquiry is expected to establish the facts surrounding the sinking and determine its causes and contributing factors. It will also assess whether applicable laws and operational standards were followed, evaluate the effectiveness of the search, rescue and recovery operations, identify any shortcomings or failures and recommend reforms to strengthen Guyana’s maritime transportation system.
“The nation awaits such report,” he declared.
“The families who have suffered unimaginable loss await these answers. Future generations deserve the assurance that every lesson that can be learned from this tragedy will indeed be learned.”
The Head of State also underscored the calibre of the commissioners, stating they were selected because of their distinguished professional backgrounds and expertise.
He said, “I am therefore particularly pleased that this commission comprises individuals of exceptional professional standing and distinction.”
“Collectively, they possess expertise in law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulations and disaster investigation. Their experience, competence and integrity will enhance the professionalism, depth and credibility of this inquiry.”
Dr. Ali stressed that public confidence in the inquiry is essential and maintained that the commission satisfies the highest standards of independence, impartiality and objectivity.
He said the commissioners would determine their own procedures and methods of conducting the inquiry, while being guided by the evidence and the law.
“Equally important is the confidence that the public must have,” he said.
“This commission meets the highest benchmarks of independence, impartiality and objectivity.”
Addressing the chairman and commissioners directly, the President thanked them for accepting what he described as a responsibility of enormous national importance.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend our profound appreciation for your willingness to undertake this important task,” he said.
“You have accepted a responsibility of enormous consequence, and I thank you for placing your knowledge, experience and judgment in the service of our nation at this critical time.”
The Guyanese leader also assured the commission that the government would provide every resource required for the inquiry to be conducted professionally and independently.
He said the administration would ensure the commission has the administrative, technical, financial and logistical support needed to fulfil its mandate effectively.
“Every resource required to facilitate a thorough, professional and independent inquiry will be made available,” the President assured.
Expressing confidence in the panel, Dr Ali said he believed the commissioners would discharge their duties with diligence, integrity, fairness and independence.
“I have every confidence that you will carry out your work with diligence, integrity, fairness and independence,” he said.
The President concluded by wishing the Commission of Inquiry success as it embarks on its work, expressing hope that its findings and recommendations will provide the answers the nation seeks, while helping to strengthen maritime safety and prevent a recurrence of such a devastating tragedy.
The CoI was established following the sinking of the 87-year-old state-owned MV Barima on the night of July 18, 2026, approximately 10 nautical miles off the Essequibo Coast while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini).
Authorities later determined that an estimated 179 people, including crew members, were aboard the vessel, significantly more than the 133 persons listed on the manifest.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 73 people, while 76 persons were rescued. Thirty people remain missing, making it the deadliest maritime disaster in Guyana’s history.
Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into the disaster is proceeding alongside the CoI. Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and Cargo Superintendent Delon Granderson have each been charged with murder in connection with the sinking of the MV Barima. The three were remanded to prison after appearing before the Chief Magistrate on Tuesday and are expected to return to court on August 3.
The government has maintained that the Commission of Inquiry will not interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Following the disaster, Prime Minister, retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana use.