–says assistance is not compensation or admission of liability
–calls out opposition-aligned lawyers for attempting to exploit affected families
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has defended the government’s approach to providing financial and legal assistance to persons affected by the recent tragedy, stressing that the process has been structured to ensure transparency.
Nandlall was at the time speaking on his weekly programme, “Issues in the News”, during which he said that the government has gone to considerable lengths to establish a fair legal mechanism through which short- and long- term assistance could be provided to affected persons and families.
He said that a team of lawyers has been appointed to develop the requisite legal framework for the assistance. The team is being led by Belizean Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay and includes prominent Guyanese attorneys.
According to Nandlall, the legal team is already working on several matters, including the replacement of legal documents, administration of the estates of persons who died and applications to legally declare dead persons who remain missing.
The lawyers are also meeting relatives to gather information necessary to determine beneficiaries and other affected persons.
Nandlall stressed that the government’s assistance should not be confused with compensation or construed as an admission of liability.
“This is not compensation,” he said while explaining that the government is offering assistance while the independent legal and investigative processes continue.
He added that persons involved in the process would be advised that they have the right to retain and instruct lawyers of their choice.
Nandlall also pointed to the Commission of Inquiry established by President Dr Irfaan Ali, noting that the commissioners are responsible for conducting the inquiry and are expected to commence hearings shortly.
He reiterated that questions of liability and culpability should be determined through the established process rather than political debate.
The Attorney General, however, criticised what he described as reckless allegations being made by lawyers whom he claimed are largely associated with the political opposition.
He accused some persons of using social media platforms to offer legal advice and solicit persons affected by the tragedy as potential clients.
Nandlall said such conduct could raise ethical and legal concerns, particularly where lawyers seek to represent persons without formal written retainer agreements.
He further alleged that some lawyers could seek a significant portion of any eventual court-awarded compensation.
The Attorney General cited a previous legal case involving the alleged abuse of a teenager in police custody, claiming that lawyers who had publicly projected themselves as acting in the young man’s interest later sought a one-third share of a settlement.
Nandlall, as such, maintained that the government’s current approach is intended to ensure that affected families receive assistance through a transparent and legally sound process, while preserving their right to pursue independent legal representation.
