> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.brownytimes.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # MV Barima inquiry prepares for hearings as families seek clearer guidance - URL: https://www.brownytimes.com/mv-barima-inquiry-prepares-for-hearings-as-families-seek-clearer-guidance/ - Published: 2026-10-13T17:30:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-14T22:53:15.000Z - Description: MV Barima survivors and bereaved families seek answers and clearer guidance as the inquiry prepares to hear evidence. - Author: Browny Times - Tags: News, Guyana **GEORGETOWN** — The MV Barima inquiry is scheduled to begin oral hearings in Georgetown on 14 October 2026, as survivors and bereaved families seek answers about the ferry’s sinking. The hearings will take place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, following a meeting with survivors and bereaved families in Mabaruma on 12 October. The five-member commission, chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith, was appointed on 30 July under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. The commission will examine what happened on the ferry’s Georgetown–Port Kaituma voyage on the night of 18 July, from conditions aboard the vessel to the response after it sank. ## Families ask for clearer guidance DPI described the Mabaruma visit as a community engagement, rather than a session for formal testimony. Commissioners explained how the inquiry would work and said arrangements would be made for people who chose to testify in Georgetown. For some families, the immediate concern is knowing how to take part. Kaieteur News reported that relatives, including people from Region One, had complained about unclear instructions on meetings, registering to testify and the support available to them. Those interviewed asked for written and verbal guidance, along with a dedicated family liaison officer. ## What the inquiry will examine The commission’s terms of reference cover the ferry’s condition and maintenance, passenger records, cargo loading, crew decisions and life-saving arrangements. They also require an examination of the search, rescue and recovery response. The inquiry will look at how the Transport and Harbours Department managed the ferry service, and how the Maritime Administration Department and other authorities carried out their oversight duties. Passenger numbers and loading remain questions for the inquiry; no finding of overcrowding has been established. News Source reported that survivor Eve Jerome recalled repeated engine interruptions during the voyage, an account investigators will need to assess before drawing technical conclusions about the cause. Preparations have included inspections of the Kingston wharf, covering its weighing scale, records and CCTV room, as well as a visit aboard the MV Ma Lisha, according to DPI. These visits formed part of the commission’s preliminary evidence-gathering. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/da/50/da50bf94-fb5e-44e9-ba04-2dba6616a1e6/content/images/2026/10/Infograf--a-del-MV-Barima.png) The Commission of Inquiry is examining the MV Barima sinking, including vessel safety, oversight and the response to the disaster. Graphic: Browny Times. ## How to take part People who want to participate can apply for standing, meaning formal permission to take part under the commission’s rules. The criteria include having a direct and significant role in the events, or a substantial personal or direct interest, such as that of a survivor or a victim’s relative. People who may face significant criticism during the inquiry can also apply, as can those whose participation could help the commission’s work. A written request to the secretary must include: - The applicant’s name and contact details. - The details of any legal representative. - Reasons for seeking standing, in no more than three pages. - Copies of relevant documents. The commissioners decide how each applicant may participate. Submitting a written statement does not necessarily mean being called to testify, although the statement can still become part of the inquiry’s record. ### Contact the secretariat The secretariat’s published contacts are: **Email:** [presidentialcommissiongy@gmail.com](mailto:presidentialcommissiongy@gmail.com) **Phone:** +592 674 7473\. The number was also listed for WhatsApp in its earlier evidence invitation. **Office:** Arthur Chung Conference Centre, 5-E ½ Orchid Drive, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. ## Hearing times and witness support Normal sittings run from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, unless the commission directs otherwise. Participants should confirm their hearing dates and witness arrangements with the secretariat, as dates may change. Witnesses may have counsel present and give evidence in person, by video or by audio link, as directed. News Room’s report of the 6 October briefing says interpreters and counsellors will be available where necessary; families should ask the secretariat which arrangements apply to them. Hearings are normally public, although the commission can hold closed sessions where justified. The rules say transcripts and exhibits from public hearings should be made available as soon as practicable, with restrictions or redactions where required. Relevant original records and physical evidence must be preserved until the commissioners direct otherwise. ## The inquiry and separate court proceedings The commission can recommend accountability and refer evidence to the appropriate authorities where warranted. It cannot determine criminal guilt or final civil liability. Separate criminal proceedings are also under way. Guyana Chronicle reported that a ruling on an application to stay murder proceedings against two Transport and Harbours Department employees was expected at Charity on 19 October. Smith has estimated that the inquiry will take about six months. The original instrument allowed two months, or another period directed by the president. Raising the vessel is the government’s responsibility, Smith told the Mabaruma meeting. As its work proceeds, the commission may make urgent recommendations before delivering its final report.