Guyana Attorney General denies MV Barima compensation reports

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has dismissed reports claiming that the government has offered specific compensation amounts to survivors and relatives of those involved in the MV Barima tragedy. He stated that no financial offers have been made to any family at this stage and characterized reports of specific sums as “wholly untrue.”

Under President Irfaan Ali’s HEART (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust) initiative, an independent legal team led by former Belizean Attorney General Eamon Courtenay has been established to assist affected persons. These lawyers have begun meeting with survivors and relatives in Regions One and Four, including Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, to provide legal guidance. Nandlall emphasized that participation in these meetings is voluntary and that individuals have been informed in writing that they remain free to seek independent legal advice.

Additionally, a Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy is inviting survivors, witnesses, and relatives to apply for standing in the proceedings. Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance of evidence provided or whether the individual has a substantial interest in the inquiry.