The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima is advancing preparations for the commencement of public hearings, with legal and administrative arrangements now being finalised.
The government’s communications and information arm, the Department of Public Information (DPI), quoted Attorney Javid Shadick, Secretary to the Commission, as saying Thursday that the secretariat is addressing the legal requirements and procedures that will govern the proceedings.
“They’re working on checking the legal aspects,” DPI quoted Shadick as saying, explaining that the Commission is considering the various scenarios that could arise during the hearings.
Shadick said that once the necessary arrangements are completed, a public notice will be issued outlining details of the hearings and informing the public and media about how the proceedings will be conducted.
The inquiry was established following the July 18 capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima while it was travelling to Port Kaituma, Region One. The tragedy triggered a major search, rescue and recovery operation involving local authorities, private vessels and international partners.
In the aftermath, serious questions emerged about the circumstances surrounding the voyage. Authorities reported discrepancies involving the passenger manifest, while allegations were also made about the conduct of members of the crew.
Survivors have alleged that members of the crew were consuming alcohol during the voyage. Authorities also reported that two crew members, including the captain, tested positive for narcotics. The allegations surrounding the crew’s conduct are among the circumstances that have come under scrutiny following the disaster.
The subsequent criminal investigation resulted in murder charges being laid against Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson.
The three were charged following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions and remanded to prison after appearing before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman. The charges are allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has indicated that the criminal proceedings and the Commission of Inquiry can proceed simultaneously.
The five-member Commission was established by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the vessel and make findings and recommendations.
The Commission is chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize. The other members are Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad and Tobago and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago.
To date, 76 passengers and crew members have been rescued, 73 people have been confirmed dead and another 30 remain unaccounted for.
Meanwhile, the government has initiated efforts to recover the sunken vessel. The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, through the Maritime Administration Department, is seeking a specialised marine salvage contractor to undertake the operation.
The MV Barima is located in approximately 13 to 15 metres of water, where strong tidal currents, limited underwater visibility and challenging sea conditions are among the technical considerations for the salvage operation.
President Ali has also established the HEART Initiative, which brings together humanitarian assistance, psychosocial and trauma counselling, social services, spiritual guidance and other forms of support for survivors and bereaved families.
The Commission is expected to hear evidence from relevant parties and examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy before submitting its findings, observations and recommendations to President Ali.