The survivors of the MV Barima tragedy have already endured an unimaginable experience. The last thing they should have to worry about is whether they can afford to travel to Georgetown, find accommodation, or purchase meals in order to give their testimony before the Commission of Inquiry. This is the case being made by Opposition Parliamentarian, Ganesh Mahipaul.
The legislator is calling 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.
“Every survivor who is willing to give evidence should be assured that their basic and reasonable expenses will be covered for the period they are required to attend the Commission,” Mahipaul said.
He argued that survivors travelling from outside Georgetown should not be burdened by costs, including airfare or other reasonable transportation costs, accommodation and meals for the period they are required in Georgetown to give their testimony.
“For survivors living in and around Georgetown, transportation to and from the Commission and meals should be provided where they are required to attend for testimony,” he said.
Mahipaul noted that these “are not unreasonable demands”.
“They are basic measures that can remove practical barriers and demonstrate to survivors that the Commission genuinely wants to hear from them.
I have not seen or heard sufficient public information from the Commission assuring survivors of these arrangements. That needs to change,” he added.
