HGP Nightly News – A proposed Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima disaster would be empowered to recommend criminal charges, civil proceedings or disciplinary action if it uncovers evidence of negligence, misconduct, corruption or breaches of statutory duty.
The proposal forms part of an urgent parliamentary motion submitted by APNU parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell to Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir on July 24.
Campbell is seeking permission under Standing Order 12 to move the adjournment of the Assembly’s scheduled business for an emergency debate on the tragedy and the establishment of an independent inquiry.
Under his proposed terms of reference, the commission would be authorised to summon witnesses, compel the production of documents and examine the conduct of everyone involved in the ferry’s maintenance, regulation, loading, operation and final clearance.
It would then be able to recommend further legal or administrative action based on its findings.
No investigation has yet established that criminal negligence, corruption or other unlawful conduct caused the MV Barima to capsize. Any criminal prosecution would ultimately require a separate evidential assessment by the police and Director of Public Prosecutions.
Campbell’s proposal would nevertheless ensure that the commission could identify suspected wrongdoing and formally refer its findings to the appropriate authorities.
The MV Barima capsized on July 18 while travelling to Port Kaituma. More than 70 bodies have since been recovered, making it one of the deadliest disasters involving Guyanese lives.
Campbell said the scale of the loss justified suspending Parliament’s regular agenda, which includes bills and supplementary financial business.
He wants the National Assembly—not the executive alone—to debate and approve the inquiry’s composition, scope and powers.
The proposed investigation would scrutinise the ferry’s maintenance history, seaworthiness, certification, surveys and inspections. It would also examine whether recommended repairs were completed and whether the vessel should have remained in passenger service.
The MV Barima was approximately 87 years old and scheduled for dry docking later in 2026.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has maintained that no report declared the vessel unfit for service. According to the government, it was operating within its normal maintenance cycle.
The inquiry would also examine why newer vessels were not deployed on the Port Kaituma route.
Passenger and cargo records would form another major part of the investigation.
Authorities admitted that numerous survivors did not appear on the original passenger manifest, leaving the government unable, during the early stages of the operation, to determine exactly how many people had been aboard.
Questions also remain about the cargo loaded, its total weight, where it was placed and whether every item was properly recorded and secured.
Campbell wants the commission to examine the qualifications and conduct of the captain and crew, the responsibilities of Transport and Harbours personnel and the effectiveness of MARAD’s regulatory oversight.
The ferry’s captain and a THD loading superintendent have been detained in connection with the criminal investigation. Neither had been charged when their detention was publicly disclosed.
The proposed terms would further require the commission to review the search-and-rescue response, including its timing, command structure, equipment and coordination among state agencies, private operators and international partners.
The government has promised a full and independent Commission of Inquiry but has not yet disclosed its membership or complete mandate.
Campbell’s request now awaits a decision from the Speaker. If approved, Parliament would debate whether the commission should possess the broad investigative and referral powers he has proposed.
