MV Barima COI to commence on site work in September

August 18 2026

President Dr Irfaan Ali says the recently sworn-in Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy is expected to begin its on-the-ground work in early September as the panel finalises its procedures and logistical arrangements.

The Commission was established to conduct a full and impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy and determine what led to the incident.

President Ali at his press conference, earlier today, said the nation and the families of those affected deserve answers on what happened, the factors that contributed to the tragedy and the measures needed to prevent a similar incident in the future.

The Commission’s findings are expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and make recommendations aimed at strengthening safety measures and preventing a recurrence.

The five-member international panel is chaired by retired Belizean Justice Godfrey Smith and includes Dr. Andrei Jesse Anonski of Poland, Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad and Tobago, and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago.