Former Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh was on Wednesday given permission to represent Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy, citing criticism directed at the minister following the vessel’s sinking.
Addressing the Commission, Singh said Edghill had a substantial interest in the inquiry’s subject matter and that his request arose against the backdrop of statements made publicly before the commissioners were appointed.
Singh said Edghill and former Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, had both faced “trenchant criticisms” following the disaster.
He also referred to “some rather indecorous calls relating to their well-being and their continued service” in the Government of Guyana. There were calls for both Ministers to resign following the tragedy.
Singh, who told the Commission he had been on the roll of legal practitioners in Guyana since 1983, asked to appear on Edghill’s behalf when necessary.
“I am here intending, with your leave, to represent when necessary or if necessary the Honourable Minister of Works, Mr. Juan Edghill,” he said.
The former Chancellor also asked the Commission to accommodate his attendance only when required, explaining that he did not expect to be present for every witness or each day of the hearings.
“With no intention of discourtesy or disrespect being extended to the Commission, I don’t believe, given the context and the circumstances, that I would be required to be here on every day and for every witness,” Singh said.
He requested the Commission’s understanding, adding that his attendance would be “when necessary and when required”.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
