Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica – one of the commissioners appointed to investigate the MV Barima tragedy – has denied allegations that he is connected in any way to the local maritime sector. 

Fouda and other commissioners – Belizean Justice of Appeal Godfrey Phillip Smith, Polish forensic naval architect and marine engineer Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad, and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago – spoke to reporters at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, after formally declaring the CoI proceedings open. 

Fouda was asked directly by Kiskadee Watch on Wednesday whether there was any truth to allegations that he has a relative working in Guyana’s maritime sector. He categorically denied the allegation, stating that he does not. 

Fouda also clarified that he himself is not employed in Guyana’s maritime sector. His comments came in response to questions seeking to establish whether he had any personal or professional connection to the sector that could potentially give rise to a conflict of interest or influence his involvement in matters relating to maritime affairs.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed had questioned the independence of the CoI, citing alleged connections between two commissioners – Fouda and Alphonso – and persons linked to the government.

Mohamed had also questioned a professional connection between Alfonso and Minister of Labour and Manpower KeomaGriffith.

He referred to information previously published on the website of the Trinidad and Tobago law firm N. D. Alfonso & Company, which was founded by Alfonso. The website had identified Griffith as the firm’s Guyana correspondent and listed a Georgetown office connected to the arrangement.

“These publicly disclosed professional relationships again warrant questions on the commission’s independence and impartiality,” Mohamed said.

Kiskadee Watch had sent questions to Griffith asking whether he remained associated with the firm and when and why his photograph had been removed from its website.

He was also asked whether he believed the relationship created a conflict of interest in connection with Alfonso’s appointment or in circumstances where the firm represented clients seeking government approvals or contracts in Guyana. Griffith has not responded.