The members of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry visited the Kingston Loading Wharf today as part of a series of on-site visits ahead of public hearings, which will begin next week.
The Kingston Loading Wharf was the last port of departure for the MV Barima Ferry which sank on July 18, 2026 claiming the lives of over 100 persons. More than 30 of those persons remain missing.
Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), Justice Godfrey Smith and the four other Commissioners, Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard and Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, were given a tour of the facility by the Transport and Harbours Manager Yolanda Hughes.
The bond, the waiting area and other sections of the facility were inspected by the Commissioners along with the MV Malisha.
Throughout the visit, the Commissioners could be seen inspecting the safety signs and equipment at the facility, and parts of the vessel that is currently docked at the wharf.
Among the equipment that caught the attention of the members of the Commission was a new axle scale, which was placed under a red tent, and surrounded by cones.
The equipment, however, was not connected, News Source understands, and was reportedly placed at the site just days ago.
“It’s new. It’s brand new,” Captain Fouda told his fellow Commissioners, with Commissioner Alfonso responding “yes, it is,” with another adding “we know, we know.”
Additionally, the safety signs at strategic points within the facility all appeared relatively new, in addition to the safety gear worn by staff.
As they inspected the facilities at the wharf, the Commission Chairman declined to offer a comment on their findings, telling reporters that the Commission is working.
“No comments. We are working. We are working…We are working. We are trying to keep our minds focus” Justice Smith would only say.
The Transport and Harbours Manager, when asked about the new safety measures including signage and safety gears, declined to comment.
“Sorry dear, no comments at this time. No comments,” she told reporters.
Visits were also conducted to the Transport and Harbours Department, and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) today.
Tomorrow, the Commissioners will also visit two other port facilities.
Visits will also be conducted to Mabaruma, and Port Kaituma next Monday and Tuesday, where the Commissioners will not only visit the wharves there, but also engage with the survivors and families of those who died.
The Commission is mandated to establish, so far as the evidence permits, the full facts and sequence of events; determine the immediate, direct, contributing and systemic causes of the casualty, identify the shortcomings or failures; and assess compliance with applicable legal and safety requirements. It is also expected to put forward a number of recommendations at the conclusion of its work.
Source: News Source Guyana
