Oct 10, 2026
2 min read
The Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy has acquired most of the documents it identified as necessary and is inspecting facilities linked to the vessel ahead of oral hearings scheduled to begin on October 14.
The five-member Commission visited two dry docks on the East Bank Demerara on Friday, October 9, to examine locations associated with the vessel’s maintenance and repair before the July 18, 2026 capsizing.
The facilities inspected were operated by Gopie Investments Inc. at New Hope and Guyana Port Inc.
Those inspections followed visits on Thursday to the Transport and Harbours Department’s Goods Wharf in Kingston, Georgetown, as well as the Maritime Administration Department and the Transport and Harbours Department.
The Commission’s preliminary work has also included engagements with survivors and relatives of those who died.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Commission Secretary Javed Shadick said commissioners with shipping expertise had helped the Secretariat identify the records needed for the investigation.
“The majority of those have been already acquired,” Shadick noted, explaining “with their knowledge and their understanding of how things work, they were able to guide the Secretariat into what are the exact documents and so on, which they would have to look at.”
Shadick emphasised, however, that gathering records during the preliminary phase does not mean formal evidence has already been presented.
Evidence must be introduced during the Commission’s official sittings in accordance with the governing legislation.
The site visits are intended to give commissioners a clearer understanding of the facilities and operations relevant to the investigation and help identify areas requiring further information or testimony.
The inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, including questions of safety and seaworthiness.
The start of oral hearings on October 14 will move the investigation from preliminary fact-finding to formal evidence-taking.
