Diaspora Group Backs Independent MV Barima Probe

A prominent Guyanese diaspora organisation has joined mounting calls for an independent investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima, raising concerns over the Government’s handling of the tragedy and urging a transparent inquiry capable of restoring public confidence.

In a statement issued from Brooklyn, New York, the North America Region Inc. (NAR Inc.) said the magnitude of the July 18 disaster demands a full and independent accounting of the events that led to the loss of scores of lives, while also expressing concern over what it described as the Government’s management of information in the aftermath of the sinking.

“NAR Inc. calls on the Government of Guyana to immediately commission an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the MV Barima,” the organisation stated.

“The people of Guyana deserve a full accounting of the facts, including the causes of the incident, the adequacy of safety measures, and the response by relevant authorities.”

The call comes as criticism continues to mount over President Irfaan Ali’s decision to proceed unilaterally with the appointment of a five-member international Commission of Inquiry (COI), despite repeated appeals from the parliamentary Opposition and civil society for a consultative process.

The Commission, announced by President Ali on July 26, is chaired by former Attorney General of Belize and CARICOM High-Level Representative on Law and Criminal Justice, Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith.

The other members are Captain Hamada Fouda, a senior maritime surveyor and compliance auditor with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Nyree Dawn Alfonso, a Trinidad and Tobago attorney specializing in admiralty and maritime law; Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, former Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force; and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, a Polish forensic naval architect and marine engineer with extensive experience investigating major international maritime disasters.

Before the appointments were announced, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, other opposition forces, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), and several civil society organisations had urged the President to engage the Opposition, victims’ families and civic groups in selecting members of the Commission.

They argued that broad-based participation was essential to ensuring the inquiry’s credibility and public acceptance. Instead, President Ali proceeded without those consultations, drawing criticism that the process had been compromised before the Commission began its work.

Although NAR Inc. did not directly address the Commission’s composition, its call for an “independent and transparent investigation” echoes the concerns raised by opposition parties and civic organizations that the tragedy requires a process free from political influence.

The organisation also questioned the Government’s management of information following the disaster.

“NAR Inc. expresses serious concern regarding the Government’s subsequent handling of information related to this tragedy and the reported suppression of citizens’ voices in Guyana,” the statement said.

It further urged political leaders to rise above partisan interests and focus on the needs of grieving families.

“This tragedy demands a coordinated, inclusive, and humane national response,” NAR Inc. stated. “NAR Inc. urges the Government and all political stakeholders to place the needs of affected families and communities above partisan considerations and to support all lawful efforts to locate missing persons, assist survivors, and provide timely information to the public.”

The MV Barima capsized shortly before midnight on July 18 while sailing from Georgetown to Port Kaituma with 116 passengers, 17 crew members and cargo on board. The disaster triggered Guyana’s largest maritime search-and-recovery operation, drawing support from the Guyana Defence Force, volunteer divers, specialist teams from Trinidad and Tobago and a 15-member French military dive team from French Guiana.

Beyond the ongoing recovery effort, the tragedy has intensified scrutiny of the vessel’s seaworthiness, maintenance history, inspection regime and the Government’s oversight of maritime safety.

Families of victims, political parties and civil society organisations have continued to demand the release of maintenance and inspection records, insisting that accountability must extend beyond recovering the victims to determining whether negligence or regulatory failures contributed to the disaster.

NAR Inc. concluded by extending its deepest condolences to those affected.

“NAR Inc. extends its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and communities affected by this devastating event. Our thoughts remain with all those mourning this profound loss, and we stand in solidarity with everyone impacted during this difficult time.”

The organisation said Guyana’s response to the tragedy must be guided by “compassion, transparency, and accountability,” maintaining that only an independent, credible investigation will provide grieving families and the nation with the answers they deserve.