The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating the MV Barima tragedy is preparing to hear from more than 100 witnesses as it moves towards formal hearings, which are expected to begin next Wednesday.
Ahead of the hearings, Commissioners will meet survivors and relatives of those who died, conduct site visits and examine documents already submitted to the inquiry.
Secretary to the Commission, Javed Shadick, outlined the planned activities during a press conference on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
“Our initial count, we’re looking at more than 100 witnesses,” Shadick told reporters.
Those expected to be interviewed include survivors, relatives of the deceased, first responders and officials believed to have information relevant to the tragedy. Counsel for the Commission will conduct interviews before persons are called to give evidence.
The Commission will formally open at 10:00 hrs on Wednesday, October 7, followed by an afternoon meeting with survivors and relatives living along the coast.
Shadick stressed that these engagements are intended as outreach and will not form part of the formal evidence-gathering process.
“At these meetings, there is no evidence to be taken,” he said.
Commissioners are scheduled to visit the Kingston wharf, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) from around 09:00 hrs on Thursday.
Two dry-dock facilities along the East Bank of Demerara are also expected to be inspected on Friday.
The following week, the Commission will travel to Region One, beginning with Mabaruma on Monday, where Commissioners will inspect the waterfront facility and engage survivors and affected families. A similar exercise is planned for Port Kaituma on Tuesday.
Shadick said several members of the Commission have expertise in shipping, and the inspections will give them a first-hand look at the relevant facilities before parties are later called to testify.
Consideration is also being given to holding formal hearings outside Georgetown, including in Region One. The level of participation at the community engagements is expected to help determine whether this will be necessary.
Arrangements are also being made to accommodate persons who do not speak English.
Meanwhile, the inquiry is expected to run longer than the two months initially contemplated. An early estimate puts the process at approximately six months, with the final report to be prepared after all evidence has been heard.
The Commission’s secretariat has been functioning since August 3, and Commissioners have already begun reviewing documents submitted to the inquiry.
A public invitation for persons with relevant information to come forward and testify remains open.
Once hearings get underway, sittings are expected to begin at 09:00 hrs daily, although those times may be adjusted.
