CAMPBELL ASKS SPEAKER TO SUSPEND NORMAL PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS FOR URGENT MV BARIMA DEBATE

Georgetown, Guyana — Opposition Member of Parliament Dr. Terrence Campbell has formally asked Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir for permission to suspend the Assembly’s normal business on Monday to facilitate an urgent debate on the proposed terms of reference for an independent Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Barima.

In a letter dated July 24, 2026, Campbell invoked Standing Order 12, which allows an MP to seek the adjournment of the Assembly to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.

“The sinking of the MV Barima on 18 July 2026 was the worst maritime disaster in Guyana’s recent history, with a death toll that has exceeded seventy persons,” Campbell stated. He said the scale of the tragedy created an immediate need for a fully independent inquiry into the circumstances, causes and consequences of the disaster.

Campbell is requesting that the matter be debated at the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Thirteenth Parliament, scheduled for Monday, July 27.

His proposed motion calls on the National Assembly to support the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry and to debate and adopt detailed terms of reference governing its work.

The proposal seeks an investigation into the MV Barima’s maintenance history, seaworthiness, structural integrity, licensing and compliance with maritime safety standards. It also calls for scrutiny of the qualifications and training of the crew, the accuracy of passenger and cargo records, weather and navigation conditions, and the circumstances leading to the vessel’s sinking.

Campbell wants the Commission to examine the adequacy and timeliness of the search-and-rescue response, including the actions of the Guyana Coast Guard and other emergency agencies. The inquiry would also be required to determine whether established emergency protocols were followed.

The draft motion raises questions about how long it took authorities to identify the vessel’s location and reach the scene. It also refers to reports that people rescued from the vessel were not listed on the official passenger manifest, raising concerns about passenger accountability, port management, regulatory compliance and enforcement.

The proposal further calls for an examination of why newer vessels, including the MV Ma Lisha and the Kalliopi N, were allegedly not deployed on the Port Kaituma route despite concerns about the age and condition of the MV Barima.

Campbell is asking for the inquiry to assess the performance of the Maritime Administration Department, port authorities and other relevant agencies, including their inspection systems, enforcement practices and regulatory oversight.

The proposed Commission would also be empowered to investigate allegations of negligence, misconduct, corruption, dereliction of duty or breaches of statutory obligations by any public official, agency, company or individual. Where supported by the evidence, it would be expected to recommend civil, criminal, administrative or disciplinary proceedings.

Campbell has proposed that the Commission be authorised to compel the production of documents, summon witnesses under oath and receive expert testimony. It would be required to produce a comprehensive public report within a specified period.

The motion also calls for recommendations to strengthen maritime safety, vessel inspections, emergency preparedness, regulatory enforcement and public accountability.

Campbell said an immediate and transparent parliamentary debate would help restore public confidence and allow the Assembly to provide direction on the scope, independence, membership, resources and timeframe of the proposed Commission.

The motion has been seconded by Opposition MP Juretha Fernandes.

The request does not mean that the emergency debate has been approved. Under Standing Order 12, the Speaker must first determine that the matter is definite, urgent, of public importance and appropriate for an adjournment debate. If the Speaker is satisfied, the request must then receive the leave of the Assembly or the demonstrated support of at least 18 elected MPs.

The government has already signalled its intention to establish a Commission of Inquiry. Campbell’s intervention seeks to give the National Assembly a direct role in determining the inquiry’s scope and ensuring that its proceedings are independent, transparent and capable of commanding national confidence.