Attorney General Anil Nandlall has denied claims that the Government has been offering monetary compensation to the families and relatives of victims of the MV Barima tragedy.

Instead, Mr. Nandlall said representatives of the Government’s HEART initiative, established by the President, as well as independent lawyers, have been meeting with affected families.

He said much has been achieved in providing different forms of assistance, but no monetary compensation has been offered.

“It is important to emphasise that, at this stage, no financial offer of compensation has been made to any survivor or family. Statements that specific sums have already been offered to any person are wholly untrue, the lawyers have advised me. The Government, to be transparent and remain at arm’s length, is not part of this process,” Mr. Nandlall said.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has alleged that representatives of the Government have been meeting with affected families and offering financial compensation.

One man, who lost a number of his relatives in the tragedy, has since come forward to say that an offer was made to him, but he rejected it.

The Attorney General said that, in the interest of transparency, the Government has not been meeting with family members on the issue of compensation.

“In relation to compensation, the lawyers have advised me that the persons who have met with them have been informed in writing that their participation is voluntary and that they remain free to obtain independent legal advice. They have also been advised that the terms and conditions applicable to any eventual payment will be set out in an agreement,” Mr. Nandlall stated.

The Attorney General said the allegations against the lawyers acting on behalf of the State are reckless and irresponsible, and he warned against the spreading of false information.

“I have already warned those persons that they are likely to be duped by the lawyers out there who are canvassing for their retainer. I have already said that those who are pontificating publicly can show any evidence that they have been retained by anyone,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney General said the Government will continue to play its part in bringing closure to the victims and their families.

A Commission of Inquiry, which was established by the President to probe the ferry disaster, is yet to begin public hearings, although it has been in place for the past two months.

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