The five main opposition parties have welcomed President Dr Irfaan Ali's announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Barima but said they were disappointed at not being consulted on its composition.

In a joint statement, We Invest in Nationhood, A Partnership for National Unity, the Forward Guyana Movement, the Alliance For Change and the Vigilant Political Action Committee said the tragedy had claimed lives and shaken public confidence, and called for a thorough, transparent and independent examination of how it occurred. The president on Saturday said the commission will comprise international and independent experts.

The Joint Opposition said it had long called for an independent inquiry and welcomed its establishment, but argued that consultation with the parliamentary opposition and other stakeholders would have strengthened its credibility. It also noted the announcement came just before the National Assembly was due to debate opposition motions on the disaster, and said the Commission could not replace Parliament's constitutional role or the Executive's obligation to answer to elected representatives.

The parties said the inquiry should not substitute for a separate technical marine safety investigation conducted under International Maritime Organization standards, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and IMO casualty investigation guidelines, to establish the causes of the sinking and prevent future incidents.

They further noted the critical role of the Commission's Secretary, saying the role required independence and impartiality, and urged that procedures allow full public participation and access to evidence.

The Joint Opposition also renewed its call for Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Deodat Indar to resign or proceed on leave pending the inquiry's outcome, citing ministerial accountability under the Westminster system.

The parties said they remained committed to supporting efforts to secure justice for victims and their families and to ensure reforms preventing a repeat of the disaster.