Singh misses the point

GUYANA-Commission of Inquiry into ill-fated MV Barima tragedy likely to begin this month | The St Kitts Nevis Observer ... GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sept 2, CMC -The Commission of Inquiry, appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the July 18 capsizing of the M/V “BARIMA” that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people, says it is committed to conducting its work “independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour” and in accordance with its terms of mandate. ... The MV Barima, an 87-year-old state-owned passenger ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Guyana as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region, resulting in Guyana’s deadliest maritime disaster with 73 confirmed deaths and 30 others missing and presumed dead. ... The Commission said it is “working assiduously to commence the Inquiry later this month”. ... President Irfaan Ali had on July 30, sworn into office, the five-member Commission, chaired by retired Justice from Belize, Godfrey Philip Smith, to “conduct a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into all circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the M/V “BARIMA”, the tragic loss of life, the response thereto, and all matters reasonably connected therewith”. ... In a statement providing an update on its work to date, the Commission said it has since arranged for acquisition of important data and information from a number of public institutions likely to have information touching and concerning the capsizing of the Barima. ... It said the acquisition is in accordance with ... that these institutions include: MARAD, Transport and Harbours Division, the ... Coast Guard and Air Guard. ... In addition, it said it has made preliminary analysis of the documentation received to date regarding various aspects of the seaworthiness of the M/V “BARIMA”, such as the conditions under which it sailed, and the crew operation during the the ill-fated voyage. ... The Commission said that it has also compiled a list of potential witnesses and is preparing a preliminary schedule for interviewing them and that it has also drafted the Rules of Procedure governing how it will approach its work. ... “These rules will ensure that the inquiry is open to all, transparent, orderly, fair and effective and will be published shortly,” the Commission said, adding that it is in the process of developing a dedicated website to serve as its single authoritative public record which is critical to promoting transparency and accessibility. ... “The Commission fully recognizes and understands the immense public interest in the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the M/V “BARIMA” and the resulting tragic loss of life. The Commission is committed to conducting its work independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour, in accordance with Rules of Procedure and the terms of its mandate. The Rules of Procedure are in the final phase of completion.” ... The Commission said it also “considers it essential that the relevant technical, documentary and witness evidence be properly identified and assessed before the public hearings commence to ensure that the proceedings are efficiently and effectively conducted. ... “It is also very important that all persons with relevant information have a fair opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry. In this regard, the Commission is working assiduously to commence the Inquiry later this month,” it added. ... The Commission said it continues to prepare the necessary groundwork to “ensure that efficient and effective public hearings are facilitated and will provide further information concerning the commencement, conduct and schedule of public hearings once these matters are finalized” thanking the Guyanese “for their patience and cooperation as this important process continues”.