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APNU submits parliamentary motion to discuss scope of MV Barima inquiry
(Kaieteur News) – Lead Member of Parliament (MP) for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dr. Terrence Campbell on Friday submitted a correspondence to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, ahead of Monday’s Sitting, requesting an adjournment of the Assembly to discuss the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sinking of the MV Barima.
The 87-year-old vessel capsized off seven miles offshore, near Iron Pun in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River, with almost 200 passengers and crew members, along with over 200 tonnes of cargo on Saturday night. The vessel was heading to Port Kaituma, Region One.
Lead APNU MP, Dr. Terrence Campbell
Describing the tragedy on 18th July,2026 as “the worst maritime disaster in Guyana’s recent history” with a death toll already surpassing 70 persons, the APNU stated the immediate need to establish a fully independent CoI with clear terms of reference to probe the circumstances, causes and consequences of the incident.
In the letter to the Speaker seen by this publication, Dr. Campbell sought to qualify the grounds for his request as “urgent and of public importance” underscoring that the incident has not only resulted in substantial damage to property, but also significant loss of lives, causing acute public concern and distress to families and wider circles.
Not only that, but the MP stressed that concerns abound regarding the sea worthiness of vessels, regulatory compliance, oversight by maritime authorities, search and rescue response, the availability of other vessels and measures to prevent recurrence.
Consequently, Dr. Campbell suggested, “An immediate, transparent, parliamentary discussion of proposed terms of reference will assist in ensuring public confidence, facilitate timely establishment of an independent commission and allow the Assembly to give direction on scope, independence and resources.”
APNU Motion
In the Motion for leave under Standing Order 12, APNU calls for the Assembly to be adjourned to consider the ToR for the establishment of an independent CoI into the 18th July MV Barima tragedy to debate and adopt the said ToR.
The Opposition party submitted a proposed ToR for debate and adoption identifying eight key areas of focus including: (1) establish the facts surrounding the incident, including timeline, passenger and manifest records, cargo, weather and navigation conditions; (2) determine cause and contributing factors, including vessel maintenance and seaworthiness, crew qualifications and training, compliance with national maritime laws, licences and safety standards; (3) examine the adequacy and timeliness of the search-and-rescue response and actions taken by relevant agencies; (4) assess the regulatory framework, oversight, inspection regimes and enforcement practices of maritime and port authorities, and identify any systemic failures; (5) examine any allegations of negligence, misconduct, corruption or breach of statutory duties by any individual or entity and recommend any appropriate legal or disciplinary action; (6) recommend measures to improve passenger and crew safety, emergency preparedness, regulatory oversight, and to prevent recurrence; (7) require documents and witnesses and a full public report with findings and recommendations within a specified timeframe and (8) adopt interim measures as necessary to protect the public interest and safety pending full inquiry outcomes.
Dr. Campbell has also suggested that the Assembly discuss a specific timeframe, membership criteria- including independence and expertise – as well as budgetary arrangements for the commission.
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