The Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy has opened its doors to witnesses and evidence from the public, government bodies and international organisations, as it aims to begin public hearings before the month is out.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, the Commission invited anyone with knowledge, relevant information or recommendations to contact the Office of the Secretariat, headed by Secretary Javed Shadick.
The Commission was established by the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana under Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, with a Chairman and four other Commissioners appointed to inquire into the marine casualty involving the vessel on the night of July 18.
Its objectives include conducting a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the Barima, the loss of life and the response to the tragedy.
The Commission is also tasked with establishing the full facts and sequence of events, determining the causes of the casualty, identifying shortcomings or failures, assessing compliance with safety requirements, recommending accountability where warranted and proposing reforms to strengthen maritime safety.
While the Commission may have regard to internationally recognised marine casualty investigation standards, its mandate extends beyond a safety investigation to public accountability, institutional performance and reform.
Following their appointment on July 30, the Commissioners immediately began preparatory work, including designing a framework for the Commission's workflow.
The Commission has completed a preliminary in-person survey of the accident site, secured a venue for public hearings at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and established its Secretariat for administrative, research and logistical support.
Work is ongoing to acquire data from public institutions likely to hold relevant information, including MARAD, the Transport and Harbours Division, the Guyana Coast Guard and the Air Guard, in accordance with international maritime conventions and the Guyana Shipping Act, a release said.
The release noted that the Commission has also begun a preliminary analysis of documentation received regarding the seaworthiness of the Barima, including the conditions under which it sailed and crew operations during the voyage.
It added that a list of potential witnesses has been compiled, with a preliminary interview schedule in preparation, while Rules of Procedure governing the Commission's work are in the final phase of completion and will be published shortly.
The Commission said it recognises the immense public interest in the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and is committed to conducting its work independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously.
It considers it essential that technical, documentary and witness evidence be properly identified and assessed before public hearings begin, to ensure proceedings are efficiently conducted, while stressing that all persons with relevant information must have a fair opportunity to contribute.
A dedicated website is also being developed to serve as the Commission's single authoritative public record.
The Commission said it continues to prepare the necessary groundwork for the hearings and will provide further details on their commencement, conduct and schedule once finalised.

Secretary to MV Barima Commission, Javed Shadick