Mahipaul: Barima survivors must not pay to testify before COI

(Kaieteur News) – Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul is calling on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the capsizing of the MV Barima to publicly guarantee that survivors will not be left to shoulder the financial costs associated with giving evidence.

Mahipaul’s call comes as the Commission prepares to formally begin its proceedings. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Opposition MP said survivors of the tragedy have already endured an “unimaginable experience” and should not have to worry about whether they can afford transportation, accommodation or meals in order to testify.

“I therefore call on the Commission to make it clear, publicly and without ambiguity, that no survivor should be financially burdened because they have chosen to come forward and testify,” Mahipaul said.