Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has dismissed criticism of the Government’s decision to invite tenders for the salvaging of the MV Barima, arguing that the Opposition would have levelled similar criticism had the Administration opted to sole-source the contract.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, has invited qualified and experienced marine salvage contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the recovery of the ferry, which sank off the Essequibo Coast on July 18. The tragedy claimed the lives of 73 passengers, while about 30 others remain unaccounted for.

The decision to go out to tender has, however, drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised that the procurement process could delay the recovery operation. Addressing those concerns during his programme Issues in the News on Tuesday, Nandlall maintained that the Government would have faced criticism regardless of the approach taken, contending that the Opposition would have objected just as strongly, had the contract been awarded through sole-sourcing.