Families of victims of the MV Barima disaster are continuing their demand for the sunken vessel to be salvaged, arguing that the wreck may contain critical evidence needed to determine what happened when the vessel capsized.
The issue takes on added significance today, as the Commission of Inquiry into the disaster is scheduled to meet with relatives of those who died, as well as persons who were aboard the vessel when it capsized, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
A protest in support of the affected families is also planned for 1 p.m. today, as relatives continue to press for accountability, answers and the recovery of those who remain missing.
Among those protesting outside the Office of the President on Tuesday was Jasmine, who lost two relatives, Neil Cort and Henry Cort, in the disaster. One of the men was her father.
Jasmine said she and other family members will attend today’s meeting with the commissioners to hear how the inquiry intends to proceed.
“Yes, we are going to attend the meeting to hear what they have to say, to hear what they will be presenting to us, so how this commission is going to function.”
She said relatives have been protesting outside the Office of the President for approximately five weeks, with the salvage of the MV Barima remaining one of their principal demands.
“One of our main cry is that the MV Barima be salvaged, that the boat is floated. And we are asking for that because we still have loved ones that never came home. Those mortal bodies we have not recovered.”
For Jasmine and other relatives, raising the vessel is also critical to establishing the facts surrounding the disaster.
“The boat possesses evidence that needs to be brought to light so that the commission can work properly.”
Her concerns come as several processes related to the disaster are unfolding simultaneously.
Three MV Barima workers are facing murder charges stemming from the sinking, while the Government has been pursuing a process to identify a contractor to salvage the vessel. At the same time, the Commission of Inquiry is moving ahead with its work.
Jasmine questioned whether the inquiry can reach a complete understanding of the disaster without the wreck being recovered and examined.
“There are so many moving parts, and to me, it’s distracting. It’s distracting. There is no cohesiveness.”
The MV Barima capsized on July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation. Dozens of bodies have since been recovered, while other victims remain unaccounted for.
The families have repeatedly called for greater transparency regarding the vessel’s condition, the circumstances surrounding the sinking, the response to distress signals and the Government’s handling of the wreck.
Jasmine said the families remain caught between grieving their loved ones and having to campaign publicly for answers.
The mother of one of the three men charged with murder is also expected to meet with the commissioners today, according to Jasmine.
The families are expected to meet with the Commission of Inquiry today at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, while a support protest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Relatives continue to call for the MV Barima to be salvaged and for the recovery of those who remain missing.
