Dear Editor,
We have as a nation many lessons to learn from the MV Barima tragedy. Instead of breathing fire and calling for reprisals for the main actors in the plot, we need to step aside awhile and consider just what we need to do to initiate mitigation.
The problem was long in making. Great disregard for the demographics that used the facility has been to my mind a great contributing factor.
Why would a boat that took one and one half years in construction then three and one half years after delivery not have been put into service. Why would this same vessel be used for entertainment purposes for the rich and powerful?
Editor, we need answers followed by condign action. There appears to be a distinct change in the culture of our society. The hustler and get rich quick attitude seems to have taken hold of most of us. There would appear to be parallel entities within our ministries and departments. Why would many persons not appear on the official manifest of such an important means of transportation.
We need to refloat the vessel, bring in renown naval architects and experts for the examinations. The vessel can be accommodated at the GNIC dockyard.
The mandatory commission of inquiry that follows would examine all circumstances surrounding the event. Culpability could then be determined.
Coming out of the above we need to empower the Civil Defence Commission as the go to agency for handling such mishaps. It must have the ability to field appropriate resources and personnel and be able to mitigate situations.
Many persons and agencies have messed up in the extant case. However, we need to garner the goodwill to now move forward positively.
Finally, I tender sincerest condolences to all those who lost family members. May God grant you His peace and comfort