President appoints expert team to audit marine safety after fatal river tragedy

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has established a Safety and Compliance Audit Team to conduct a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana. The Team will comprise Dr Ivor English, former Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD); Colonel Julius Skeete, of the Guyana Defence Force; and Captain Joseph Lewis, Marine Officer and Surveyor of Ships. Collectively, they bring to this important task a wealth of technical expertise, practical experience and knowledge in marine administration, maritime operations and the inspection and surveying of ships. According to the President, the team has been tasked with examining compliance with existing maritime safety requirements and identifying areas where oversight and enforcement can be strengthened. Collectively, the members bring decades of technical expertise in marine administration, maritime operations, vessel inspections and ship surveying. The audit will assess the effectiveness of current safety and regulatory systems and produce recommendations aimed at improving compliance, enhancing enforcement and ensuring that vessels and operators meet the highest practicable standards of safety and accountability.