The Commission of Inquiry, appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the July 18 capsizing of the M/V ‘BARIMA’ that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people, says it is committed to conducting its work ‘independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour’ and in accordance with its terms of mandate.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old state-owned passenger ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Guyana as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region, resulting in Guyana’s deadliest maritime disaster with 73 confirmed deaths and 30 others missing and presumed dead.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips had despite the official manifest indicating that 116 passengers and a crew of 17 had been on board the vessel, the authorities believe that 179 people including the crew members were on the vessel when it capsized after being hit by a large wave.
The Commission said it is ‘working assiduously to commence the Inquiry later this month’.