By Javone Vickerie | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan is demanding that the government publicly release the complete legal terms and conditions governing financial relief distributed under the HEART Initiative, warning that immediate aid must not be used to strip M.V. Barima survivors and bereaved families of their right to pursue future litigation.
The demand follows the establishment of Project HEART (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust) by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to coordinate state-led psycho-social support, material aid, and direct financial disbursements to victims of the July 18 maritime disaster.
While President Ali has publicly insisted that the financial disbursements represent a gesture of national solidarity and are “not compensation,” Duncan argued that verbal assurances mean nothing if written agreements include indemnity clauses or waivers of liability.
“Assistance vs. Compensation”: Demands for Transparent Framework
Speaking at an APNU press briefing, Duncan stressed that the legal distinction between humanitarian assistance and formal compensation is determined solely by the contractual text signed by recipients, not by political pronouncements.
- No Published Eligibility Rules: Duncan highlighted that the government has yet to table the official framework, eligibility criteria, or payout amounts for public and parliamentary scrutiny.
- Risk of Rights Surrender: He cautioned that grieving families—many facing acute financial distress—might unknowingly sign away their right to sue the State or the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for negligence.
- Call for Full Disclosure: APNU is urging affected families to withhold signing any state documentation until independent legal counsel can review the agreements to confirm no legal rights are compromised.
“No final framework, eligibility criteria, or terms have been placed before the public,” APNU MP Sherod Duncan stated. “The PPP cannot use taxpayers’ money to buy silence or shield itself from civil liability while refusing to explain what happened. We are asking for the rules of engagement to be made public.”
Renewed Calls for Ministerial Resignations
Beyond the financial package, Duncan reiterated APNU’s call for ministerial accountability over the tragedy, which claimed more than 70 lives.
Duncan insisted that while three operational personnel—the Captain, Chief Mate, and T&HD Goods Superintendent—face 72 counts of murder, political responsibility rests with the executive:
- Ministerial Accountability: Duncan renewed demands for the immediate resignation of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar.
- Systemic Oversight: APNU maintains that operational trials must not distract from ministerial failures regarding vessel maintenance, maritime oversight, and port regulations.
