Leader of the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), Dorwain Bess, has questioned the credibility of the Government’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the sinking of the MV Barima, arguing that the appointment of commissioners who have previously been embroiled in public controversies risks undermining confidence in an investigation expected to determine responsibility for one of Guyana’s worst maritime disasters.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bess said VPAC welcomes the Government’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry, but warned that the panel must be beyond reproach if it is to deliver justice for the victims’ families and reassure the public that the investigation will be be free from political influence.
“The families of those who lost loved ones deserve a thorough, impartial, and credible investigation that uncovers the full truth and ensures accountability at every level,” Bess said.
The MV Barima, a government-operated passenger and cargo ferry serving Guyana’s North West District, sank during its voyage from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, claiming dozens of lives and triggering national mourning. The tragedy has sparked widespread criticism over the vessel’s maintenance, seaworthiness, inspection regime, regulatory oversight and the Government’s emergency response, with opposition parties, trade unions and civil society organizations demanding accountability.
In response, the Government appointed a five-member Commission of Inquiry chaired by former Belize Attorney General and Foreign Minister Justice Godfrey Smith. The other commissioners are Trinidad and Tobago attorney Nyree Alfonso, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, maritime expert Captain Hamada Fouda and internationally respected technical specialist Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski.
While acknowledging the establishment of the Commission, Bess said VPAC’s review of the commissioners’ backgrounds had raised concerns that cannot be ignored.
“Following a review of the backgrounds of the appointed commissioners, VPAC believes there are legitimate questions that must be addressed if the Commission is to command the confidence of the public.”
He stressed that professional qualifications alone are insufficient.
“A Commission of Inquiry into one of the worst maritime disasters in Guyana’s history must not only be independent, it must also be perceived to be independent. Public confidence is as essential as legal competence.”
Bess pointed to Commission Chairman Justice Godfrey Smith, noting that the former Belize Attorney General and Foreign Minister had previously been at the centre of political controversy surrounding the privatization and management of Belize’s international registries.
“Although he denied any personal wrongdoing and no finding of criminal liability was made against him, the controversy raises legitimate questions about whether the Government exercised sufficient care in selecting someone whose background would be beyond public reproach,” the statement said.
The VPAC leader also questioned the appointment of Trinidadian attorney Nyree Alfonso, citing controversies during her tenure as Chairperson of First Citizens Bank and her involvement in public debate over the procurement of the Superfast Galicia ferry.
He acknowledged, however, that Alfonso “has consistently denied wrongdoing and has publicly maintained that she was unfairly targeted and denied natural justice.”
Bess emphasized that VPAC was not accusing either commissioner of wrongdoing.
“VPAC recognises that allegations are not proof of misconduct. We do not suggest that either individual has been found guilty of any criminal offence or professional misconduct,” the statement said.
“Nevertheless, when selecting individuals to investigate a tragedy that has already generated widespread allegations of corruption, regulatory failures, procurement concerns, and political interference, the Government should have gone to extraordinary lengths to appoint commissioners whose public records are entirely free from significant controversy.”
At the same time, Bess said VPAC believes the Commission’s remaining members possess the technical expertise required for the inquiry, noting that Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, Captain Hamada Fouda and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski “appear to possess strong professional credentials,” with the latter two enjoying “internationally respected technical reputations.”
However, he argued that the composition of the panel is only part of the concern.
“The issue before Guyana is therefore larger than any one individual.”
According to VPAC, the Commission must investigate not only how the vessel sank but also the broader chain of responsibility.
“This Commission must investigate not only the immediate cause of the sinking, but every aspect of the chain of responsibility, including vessel maintenance, seaworthiness, inspection regimes, procurement, regulatory oversight, enforcement of maritime safety laws, emergency preparedness, search and rescue operations, and ministerial accountability where appropriate.”
Bess also expressed concern that the Commission’s Terms of Reference appear to focus primarily on operational failures while giving insufficient attention to political and administrative responsibility.
“Any investigation that stops at the actions of crew members or technical officers while ignoring systemic failures would fail both the victims and the nation.”
He said the Guyanese people deserve complete transparency.
“Every witness should testify under oath. Every relevant document should be preserved and disclosed. Every decision that contributed to this disaster must be examined without fear or favour.”
According to Bess, the Commission’s credibility will ultimately depend on whether it demonstrates genuine independence and is prepared to pursue the evidence wherever it leads.
“The credibility of this Commission will ultimately depend not only on who serves on it, but on whether it demonstrates true independence from political influence and whether it is willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
“The families who buried their loved ones deserve nothing less.”
Bess said VPAC will continue monitoring the Commission’s work and advocate for “a process that is transparent, impartial, comprehensive, and worthy of the public’s trust.”
The statement adds to growing calls from opposition parties, trade unions and civil society organizations for the inquiry to examine not only the immediate cause of the sinking but also whether failures in maintenance, regulation, oversight and political decision-making contributed to a tragedy that many believe was preventable.
