The Commission of Inquiry into the capsizing of the MV Barima is inviting survivors, relatives of victims and other interested persons to apply for standing to participate in its proceedings.

In a general notice, the commission said it would consider applications from persons who played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in matters under investigation, as well as those with relevant evidence or information.

Standing may also be granted to persons with a substantial, personal or direct interest in the inquiry, including witnesses, survivors and family members of victims.

The commission will additionally consider applications from anyone who may face explicit or significant criticism during the proceedings or in its report, and persons whose participation could help it fulfil its terms of reference.

Approval is not automatic. The notice says the commission will consider all applications and may grant standing where it is satisfied that an applicant meets the stated criteria.

Applications should be directed to the commission’s secretary, Javed Shadick, at its secretariat at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, 5-E ½ Orchid Drive, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Persons may also contact the secretariat by email at [email protected] or telephone on 592-674-7473.

The notice does not specify an application deadline or announce a date for the commencement of public hearings.

The invitation follows the publication of procedural rules governing the inquiry. The rules provide for public hearings, media access, witness summonses and publication of transcripts and exhibits. They also require anyone who could face explicit or significant criticism in an interim or final report to receive a warning letter and a reasonable opportunity to respond.

In a September 2 update, the commission said it was working towards beginning public hearings later that month. At the time, it had established its secretariat, conducted a preliminary survey of the disaster site and begun obtaining records from the Maritime Administration Department, Transport and Harbours Department and the Guyana Coast Guard and Air Guard. It had also compiled a list of potential witnesses and begun preparing interviews

The five-member commission was appointed on July 30 and is chaired by Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize. Its other members are forensic naval architect Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, Captain Hamada Fouda, Trinidad and Tobago attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso and retired Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard.