Members of Commission of Inquiry into MV Barima tragedy sworn in

The five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy was sworn in on Thursday, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali vowing that the government would support the work of the body. “Our nation deserves a full, fair and impartial account of what occurred, why it occurred and what must be done to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. “The government will provide administrative, technical and financial support necessary. Every resource required will be made available,” President Ali said. The Commission is led by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize. The other members of the Commission are: Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski. Collectively, President Ali said, the Commissioners possess expertise in law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulations and disaster investigations. He believes that the Commissioners are persons of integrity and will get to the bottom of the tragedy. Previously, President Ali noted that the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry will be establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including the causes and all other factors relating to the loading of the vessel, the boarding of passengers, conditions onboard, the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima and any other related matters Additionally, the Commission is also expected to: review the adequacy and effectiveness of the search, rescue and recovery operations, assess whether applicable laws, regulations, standards and operating procedures for ferries were complied with, and determine whether acts of negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty or any other failures by any individual, entity or institution contributed to or caused the disaster. The seaworthiness of the vessel, maintenance history and competence of the crew will also be assessed. At the conclusion of the CoI, the President said there shall be recommendations for any legislative, regulatory, institutional and operational reforms needed, together with any other measures to improve maritime safety, improve emergency response and prevent the recurrence of any other tragedy. The MV Barima tragedy claimed the lives of 73 persons. Another 30 individuals are still unaccounted for, while there are 76 survivors.