TIGI President Questions Murder Charges For M.V. Barima Employees And Integrity Of Several Commissioners On The COI

What this source establishes

Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI) President Mike Singh publicly questions the impartiality of members of the Commission on the day they are sworn in. Singh: "This arbitrary arrest, slapping of murder charges upon the lower ranks, the operational crew for the Barima—this itself defeats the whole purpose of any such Commission of Inquiry. Based on the evidence submitted and the findings of the Commission of Inquiry, only then could you move towards instituting any types of charges."

Key claims

• Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI) President Mike Singh publicly questions the impartiality of members of the Commission on the day they are sworn in.
• Singh: "This arbitrary arrest, slapping of murder charges upon the lower ranks, the operational crew for the Barima—this itself defeats the whole purpose of any such Commission of Inquiry. Based on the evidence submitted and the findings of the Commission of Inquiry, only then could you move towards instituting any types of charges."
• [ALLEGATION — as reported statements of an accused, not established fact] "Singh pointed to public statements made by the vessel's captain prior to his remand, in which the captain maintained his innocence while highlighting critical pre-voyage deficiencies, including expired lifeboats, a lack of insurance coverage, and non-functioning radar equipment." The radar and lifeboat claims are attributed to the accused; only the uninsured status is independently on the record via Minister Edghill (22 July).
• On salvage: "Why is the government so intransigent? Why is it so stubborn in yielding to the demands of the relatives who are saying even if it's just bones, they want the vessel to be salvaged, brought to the surface? This will give any Commission of Inquiry the full facts. You can't prosecute a case based on hearsay."
• [SINGLE SOURCE] Singh "called on President Dr. Irfaan Ali to reconsider the current framework of the five-member COI by actively involving civil society organizations, religious bodies, and victims' families in shaping its Terms of Reference."
• "He questioned the neutrality of several appointees on the panel, warning that failing to ensure complete independence and public consultation risks the entire inquiry being dismissed by the Guyanese public."
• TIGI is the same body that on 23 July called for the International Maritime Organisation to investigate; this piece does not renew that call.

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