Survivors, victims' relatives and others wishing to take part in the inquiry into the July 18 capsizing of the M/V “Barima” can apply to the Commission of Inquiry for standing.
The 87-year-old state-owned ferry capsized and sank on the night of July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One. Seventy-three people were confirmed dead with at least 30 others missing
President Dr Irfaan Ali appointed the five-member Commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, and the commissioners were sworn in on July 30. It is chaired by retired Belizean Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith. The other commissioners are Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Hayden Pritchard.
The Commission is mandated to conduct a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into all circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking, the loss of life, the response to the disaster and all related matters.
It said it will consider all applications and may grant standing to anyone who has played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in the matter, or who has relevant evidence or information.
It may also grant standing to those with a substantial, personal or direct interest in the inquiry, whether as a witness, survivor, family member of a victim or otherwise, and to those who may face explicit or significant criticism during the proceedings or in its report. Others may be allowed to participate if their involvement would help the Commission fulfil its Terms of Reference.
Applications should be directed to Commission Secretary Javed Shaddick at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, 5-E ½ Orchid Drive, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. He can be reached at presidentialcommissiongy@gmail.com or on 592-674-7473.