Statement from Joint Opposition on Commission of Inquiry

Full statement:

The Opposition parties, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), the Alliance For Change (AFC), and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), acknowledge President Irfaan Ali’s announcement of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the tragic sinking of the MV Barima.

This national tragedy has claimed precious lives, devastated families, and shaken the conscience of our nation. The victims deserve justice, their loved ones deserve answers, and Guyana deserves a thorough, transparent, credible, and independent examination of how this catastrophe occurred.

The Joint Opposition has consistently called for an independent Commission of Inquiry and therefore welcomes its establishment. However, we are deeply disappointed that there was no consultation with the parliamentary opposition or other key national stakeholders regarding the composition of the Commission. A tragedy of this magnitude demands a process that inspires confidence across the political and social spectrum. Inclusive consultation would have strengthened the credibility and legitimacy of the inquiry from its inception.

We also note the timing of the announcement, made immediately before the National Assembly was due to debate Opposition motions on the MV Barima tragedy. While we welcome the establishment of the Commission, it cannot replace Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to examine matters of national importance or the Executive’s obligation to answer to the people’s elected representatives.

Equally important, the Commission of Inquiry is not a substitute for an independent marine safety investigation conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards. As a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Guyana should undertake a technical marine casualty investigation consistent with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the IMO Casualty Investigation Code, and the IMO Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety. A Commission of Inquiry and a marine safety investigation serve different but complementary purposes.

The Commission examines matters of governance, public administration, and accountability. A marine safety investigation is a specialized technical investigation undertaken by a multidisciplinary team that may include accident investigators, master mariners, naval architects, marine engineers, vessel stability experts, human factors specialists, emergency response experts, marine operations specialists, and any other technical experts required by the evidence. Its purpose is to determine how and why the casualty occurred, identify safety deficiencies, and recommend measures to prevent future tragedies.

It is not intended to apportion blame or determine civil or criminal liability. We are further concerned that the Commission’s mandate must extend beyond operational issues to examine ministerial oversight, regulatory enforcement, administrative decision-making, emergency preparedness, resource allocation, and any systemic failures within government that may have contributed to this tragedy. No office or public official should be beyond scrutiny where the evidence warrants examination.

The Joint Opposition is also concerned about the appointment of the Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry, recognizing that public confidence depends not only on the independence of the Commissioners but also on the integrity and impartiality of the Commission’s administration. The Secretary plays a critical role in managing evidence, records, witnesses, and the day-to-day administration of the inquiry and must therefore be free from any actual or perceived conflict of interest.

Similarly, the Commission’s procedures must encourage, not discourage, public participation. Every person with relevant information should have a fair and unhindered opportunity to provide evidence, and every relevant document should be capable of being placed before the Commission. The investigation must be transparent, accessible, and conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence.

Finally, consistent with the principles of ministerial accountability under the Westminster system of government, we reiterate our call for Minister Juan Edghill and Minister Deodat Indar to resign or, at the very least, proceed on leave pending the completion of the inquiry. Their continued oversight of ministries whose actions may become the subject of investigation risks undermining public confidence in the independence of the process.

The Joint Opposition remains committed to supporting every genuine effort to establish the truth, secure justice for the victims and their families, strengthen public confidence in our institutions, fulfill Guyana’s international obligations, and ensure that the lessons of the MV Barima tragedy lead to meaningful reforms that prevent such a disaster from ever occurring again.