GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Attorney-at-law Dr. Dexter Todd has called for an independent investigation into the government’s handling of the MV Barima tragedy, arguing that serious questions surrounding the recovery operation, emergency preparedness, and treatment of journalists demand urgent public scrutiny.
Speaking in response to the arrest of opposition Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan and the government’s broader management of the disaster, Todd said the focus must remain on the victims and their families rather than political distractions.
“The government is not going the extra mile to recover bodies at all, and the evidence is there by their operation and conduct,” Todd said, adding that the official response has failed to demonstrate the urgency expected during a national tragedy.
Todd criticized what he described as the government’s public posture following the disaster, referring to photographs released during the commissioning of a replacement vessel for Region One.
“When you go to the President’s page, look at the facial expressions of the ministers and the President. There is nothing to smile about,” he said, arguing that the images reflected an attitude inconsistent with the gravity of the loss of life.
The attorney also questioned the government’s operational preparedness, alleging that there appeared to be no effective emergency response plan or standard operating procedures guiding the recovery effort.
“We clearly see that the government is incompetent. There is absolutely no plan in place for things like this. They are not even following any SOPs,” Todd said, further contending that the area should have been treated as a crime scene to preserve evidence that may later become relevant to any investigation.
Todd expressed concern over the treatment and arrest of journalists and others reporting on the tragedy, arguing that authorities appeared to be targeting messengers rather than addressing legitimate public concerns.
“You have a responsibility to report accurate information to the nation. This is a matter the entire world is looking at,” he said. Todd added that he could not see how journalists could “comfortably” be prosecuted under cybercrime legislation for reporting on the unfolding disaster.
He maintained that the opposition’s involvement has been driven by humanitarian concerns rather than politics.
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