Dear Editor,

The reported attempts to condition compensation to the family of MV Barima Chief Engineer Paul Seepersad upon signing documents absolving the Government of responsibility is deeply disturbing. The Guyana Government must publicly address and stop this illegal practice immediately, if this is so. 

Compensation for death, funeral expenses, lost income, children’s support, trauma and other losses is not a political favour. It cannot lawfully or morally be used to purchase silence, obstruct accountability or pressure grieving families into surrendering their rights before the facts are fully investigated.

We have strongly cautioned all affected families against rushing into “full and final” settlement documents, because signing these agreements without independent legal oversight could permanently strip victims of their right to pursue future litigation or additional claims.

Moreover, this flagrantly contradicts what President Irfaan Ali has promised that the financial relief distributed under the state’s HEART Initiative is an “expression of national solidarity” and not formal legal compensation, and that it shouldn’t require an admission or waiver of liability.

The Seepersad family has stated clearly that they will not sign away their rights. Every affected family should receive the same protection.

No family should be asked to execute a release before:

• Receiving independent legal advice from a lawyer of its own choosing—not one selected by the Government;
• Obtaining full disclosure of the proposed compensation formula and all material terms;
• Knowing the results of the Commission of Inquiry and other investigations;
• Being informed of all possible claims against the State, its agencies, contractors and other responsible parties;
• Receiving sufficient time to consider the agreement without pressure, threats or financial coercion; and
• Being told whether accepting assistance would affect the right to sue, testify, participate in the inquiry or demand further compensation.

Any immediate humanitarian or funeral payment should be made without prejudice, meaning that families retain every legal right and remedy. The Government should publish the compensation framework, disclose whether releases have already been signed and confirm whether different families have been offered different amounts or conditions.

The reported arrangement is especially troubling because families remain without complete answers, the Commission of Inquiry has apparently not obtained statements from some relatives, and the vessel and other crucial evidence must be properly preserved and examined. The State cannot conduct or control an inquiry while simultaneously attempting to secure releases shielding itself from liability.

Paul Seepersad reportedly served aboard vessels for more than two decades and had previously expressed concerns about unsafe conditions. His family deserves truth, dignity, independent representation and fair compensation—not a document designed to extinguish its rights.

President Irfaan Ali’s Government must immediately prohibit coercive, deceptive and/or cajoled releases, appoint an independent compensation administrator, provide equal treatment to every victim and allow all families to participate meaningfully in the Commission of Inquiry.

The victims’ families are entitled to compensation and accountability. They must never be forced to choose between financial survival and justice.

They will not-and must not-sign away their rights.

Yours faithfully,
Hon. Albert Baldeo
Former Magistrate, Senior State Counsel and State Prosecutor (GUYANA); Community Leader, Judicial Delegate (NY,USA); President, Guyana Beyond Borders