The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the MV Barima tragedy must be allowed to conduct its work free from political interference or preconceived conclusions. This is according to former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira.
In a letter to the media, the former legislator said that the Commission must not become an exercise in finding “convenient scapegoats”, adding that the Guyanese people deserve a process that follows the evidence wherever it leads.
“Responsibility must not be shifted solely onto the ‘small man’ while those responsible for policy, regulation, oversight, enforcement, operational management or executive decision-making escape scrutiny.
If failures occurred at any level, then accountability must extend to every individual whose actions or omissions contributed to this tragedy, regardless of rank, office or influence. Justice commands public confidence only when it is impartial and applied equally,” Figueira said.
The MP also spoke about the manner in which the recent parliamentary protest unfolded, as Opposition Member took to the floor of the House holding placards and shouting for the sacking of ministers.
“Loud desk-banging, shouting at the top of one’s voice and prolonged disorder may generate headlines, but history has repeatedly demonstrated that such tactics rarely alter a government’s legislative agenda.
Having served as a Member of Parliament myself, I learned that Parliament offers something far more valuable than political theatre. It provides representatives with an opportunity to permanently place on the parliamentary record their ideas, criticisms, recommendations and alternative policies,” Figueira noted.
He added that by choosing disruption over debate, the opposition missed several significant opportunities to advance the interests of the very people they were elected to represent.
