The Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy is considering whether to take evidence in affected communities.

Secretary to the Commission Javed Shadick said commissioners will decide whether to travel to communities outside Georgetown based on how many people wish to give evidence.

He said the Commission has already considered the challenges facing residents of remote areas, who may struggle to travel to Georgetown because of the cost and distance involved.

"It all depends on how many persons actually want to give evidence," Shadick told reporters on Tuesday.

The issue is expected to become clearer after meetings with families and survivors in affected communities. Shadick said those engagements will help commissioners gauge how many people may need to appear before the inquiry.

Despite a public invitation for people with relevant information to come forward, only one person has contacted the Secretariat to say they intend to testify.

The Commission, however, expects a much wider pool of witnesses, with more than 100 people initially identified across categories including first responders, officials, survivors and families of those who died.

Current and former members of the MV Barima's crew could also provide important evidence. Shadick said they are welcome to testify but noted that the Constitution protects against self-incrimination, which may affect whether they choose to do so.

The Commission is scheduled to begin its first formal evidence-taking sitting next Wednesday, October 14, following preliminary visits, inspections and meetings with affected families and survivors.