(Kaieteur News) – Proceedings at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) came to an abrupt halt on Monday at Public Buildings after APNU opposition members walked out in protest over the presence of Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill.

The session, convened under the chairmanship of Vishnu Panday, began with a full quorum and proceeded through initial agenda items, including the adoption of previous meeting minutes and the circulation of documents. However, tensions erupted immediately during the opening review when opposition member Ganesh Mahipaul took the floor to object to Edghill’s participation.

Mahipaul argued that, in light of intense public scrutiny and national outrage surrounding the tragedy of the ill-fated MV Barima, Edghill should either recuse himself from the committee or be forced to leave. Fellow opposition member Juretha Fernandes quickly voiced support for the objection, calling for accountability regarding the ongoing controversy. Government member Gail Teixeira dismissed the intervention as procedurally out of order, maintaining that the committee was obligated to press forward with its scheduled mandate. After allowing the statements and attempting to restore order amidst cross-talking, chairman Vishnu Panday issued a formal ruling. While acknowledging the gravity of the public sentiment and the mounting pressure surrounding the MV Barima incident, Panday pointed directly to the limitations outlined in the PAC manual and parliamentary standing orders.