Dear Editor,
The tragic loss of lives aboard the MV Barima has left our nation grieving, searching for answers, and demanding accountability. In the aftermath of any disaster of this magnitude, there will understandably be calls for a Commission of Inquiry (COI). Such an inquiry is important and should be independent, transparent, and thorough.
However, citizens must understand that we do not have to choose between a Commission of Inquiry and accountability. The two are not mutually exclusive. They serve different purposes and should proceed simultaneously where appropriate.
A Commission of Inquiry seeks to establish the facts, identify systemic failures, and recommend reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. While these objectives are essential, commissions often require months or even years to complete their work. Families who have lost loved ones, survivors who continue to suffer physical and emotional trauma, and a nation seeking justice should not be expected to wait indefinitely before other lawful avenues of accountability are pursued.
Where there is evidence suggesting negligence or breaches of legal duty, the affected families should be encouraged to seek independent legal advice regarding the filing of civil lawsuits against any individuals, agencies, or entities that may bear legal responsibility. Civil proceedings serve an important purpose. They allow the courts to determine whether those entrusted with protecting lives fulfilled their legal obligations and whether compensation is warranted for the harm suffered.
A civil claim is not merely about financial compensation. It is about justice. It is about ensuring that public officials, regulatory bodies, operators, and agencies understand that decisions affecting human life carry legal consequences. When institutions know they may be held accountable before the courts, it strengthens public confidence and encourages higher standards of care.
At the same time, the relevant authorities should conduct all necessary investigations without delay. These should include maritime safety investigations, criminal investigations where warranted by the evidence, occupational safety reviews where applicable, emergency response assessments, and examinations of the regulatory oversight exercised by the competent authorities. Each investigation serves a distinct purpose and should proceed independently and professionally.
There are also serious public concerns surrounding the accuracy and timing of information released in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Where public officials or agencies provided information that was inaccurate, incomplete, or released without adequate verification, those actions should also be examined. Public confidence depends upon timely, truthful, and responsible communication during national emergencies. Any investigation should determine whether established communication protocols were followed and whether deficiencies contributed to confusion or delayed emergency responses.
Political accountability must also remain part of the national conversation. Ministers and senior officials entrusted with public safety have a responsibility not only to administer their portfolios competently but also to exercise sound judgement during crises. Therefore, is political accountability warranted? Yes, but it should not be postponed simply because a Commission of Inquiry is underway.
Justice delayed too often becomes justice denied. Families deserve answers. Survivors deserve support. The nation deserves confidence that every institution charged with protecting lives will be held to the highest standards.
The path forward is therefore clear. Let there be an independent and credible Commission of Inquiry. Let the appropriate investigative authorities perform their duties without fear or favor. Let the courts determine civil liability where claims are brought. Let criminal investigations proceed wherever the evidence justifies them. And let those entrusted with public office accept responsibility where it is warranted.
The memory of those who perished aboard the MV Barima demands nothing less. Our collective response must not only uncover what happened but also ensure that accountability is pursued through every lawful avenue available. Only then can justice be served, public trust restored, and meaningful reforms implemented to prevent another tragedy of this nature.