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.