PROPOSED MV BARIMA INQUIRY COULD RECOMMEND CRIMINAL CHARGES

What this source establishes

HGPTV details the terms of reference Dr Terrence Campbell proposed in the urgent parliamentary motion submitted to Speaker Manzoor Nadir on 24 July under Standing Order 12. Under Campbell's terms the commission could summon witnesses, compel documents, and recommend criminal charges, civil proceedings or disciplinary action. The report notes that no investigation had established criminal negligence and that prosecution would require separate assessment by the police and the DPP. It records that the government had promised a Commission of Inquiry but had not disclosed its membership or complete mandate.

Figures cited in this source

more than 70 bodies recovered

Key claims

• A proposed COI into the MV Barima disaster would be empowered to recommend criminal charges, civil proceedings or disciplinary action if it uncovers evidence of negligence, misconduct, corruption or breaches of statutory duty.
• The proposal forms part of an urgent parliamentary motion submitted by APNU parliamentarian Dr Terrence Campbell to Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir on July 24.
• Campbell is seeking permission under Standing Order 12 to move the adjournment of the Assembly's scheduled business for an emergency debate on the tragedy and the establishment of an independent inquiry.
• Under Campbell's proposed terms of reference the commission would be authorised to summon witnesses, compel the production of documents and examine the conduct of everyone involved in the ferry's maintenance, regulation, loading, operation and final clearance.
• No investigation has yet established that criminal negligence, corruption or other unlawful conduct caused the MV Barima to capsize; any criminal prosecution would require a separate evidential assessment by the police and Director of Public Prosecutions.
• Campbell wants the National Assembly — not the executive alone — to debate and approve the inquiry's composition, scope and powers.
• The MV Barima was approximately 87 years old and scheduled for dry docking later in 2026.
• Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has maintained that no report declared the vessel unfit for service; the government says it was operating within its normal maintenance cycle.
• Authorities admitted numerous survivors did not appear on the original passenger manifest, leaving the government unable during early stages to determine how many people had been aboard.
• The ferry's captain and a THD loading superintendent have been detained in connection with the criminal investigation; neither had been charged when their detention was publicly disclosed.
• The government has promised a full and independent COI but had not yet disclosed its membership or complete mandate.
• Campbell's request awaits a decision from the Speaker.

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