Dear Editor,
So, with great pomp, the self-appointed commission of inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy is up and running. Running to nowhere. No matter how pretty a building is, it is worth very little if the foundation is weak. The beginning of this Barima COI, had a start that was poor, pernicious and pretentious. You appoint five commissioners, with no form of consultation, you issue a very high-sounding release about the impartiality, depth and scope of the COI. The high command booms that it is not prepared to take any action against individuals or institutions before his self-appointed COI committee completes its work and submits a report, yet three persons are charged with the capital offence, directly related to the matters not yet examined by this COI. A few years ago, the boys in my area would have said, “you hear lie, that is lie”, beyond that, it is doubtful that the report tainted or pure could help without seeing the condition of this vessel. The bringing to the surface of the MV Barima seems to be tormented by a number of questions.
Several patriotic organisations planned to deliver a petition to His Excellency on Thursday September 3, requesting the immediate release of Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Roberts and Superintendent Delon Granderson who have been snatched away from their families. Are these three men on three-quarter pay, half pay or no pay? And, can the government give us an idea of what it is costing taxpayers to keep these five commissioners and support staff.