President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured Guyanese that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation into the MV Barima tragedy, declaring that the nation deserves answers while urging citizens to remain united as search and recovery operations continue.

In a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, the President described the sinking of the MV Barima as a tragedy that has “pierced the heart of our nation,” leaving families, communities and the country united in grief.

“The families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers. They deserve to know precisely what transpired, and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event. We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability,” President Ali said.

The Head of State stressed, however, that the immediate priority remains saving lives, recovering those still missing and supporting grieving families rather than engaging in speculation.

“Now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicise a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many,” he said.

“There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgment. Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to support the traumatised and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down.”

The MV Barima capsized late Saturday night while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma after issuing a distress signal off the Pomeroon coast.

 As of Monday afternoon, authorities had recovered 10 bodies, rescued 67 passengers and crew members, and transitioned into a full recovery operation after the vessel was located on the seabed.

The President said every available national resource continues to be deployed in the ongoing operation.

“Our priority remains to protect every life that still can be saved, to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss, to comfort grieving families, and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for,” he said.

“Every minute matters. Every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission.”

Earlier on Monday, President Ali travelled to Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, where he met with survivors, relatives of those still missing and patients receiving treatment at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital.

“It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need at this time,” he said.

The Head of State also paid tribute to the thousands of people who have participated in the rescue and recovery effort, including Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Cabinet ministers, members of the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteer fishermen, community members, religious leaders, parliamentarians, private sector organisations, civil society and international partners.

“Their actions reflected the very best of Guyana. This has been a truly national effort.”

He said the country’s response demonstrated the resilience and unity of the Guyanese people during one of the darkest moments in the nation’s history.

“I wish to assure every citizen that we are sparing no effort in this ongoing rescue and recovery mission. Every available asset is being deployed. Every agency is working around the clock. We will continue this effort with determination and resolve until every possible avenue has been exhausted.”

President Ali urged Guyanese to support affected families through compassion rather than division.

“Reach out where you can. Offer comfort where it is needed. Let compassion and support, not division, guide our words and actions,” he appealed.

He also announced that in the coming hours the Government will outline the national period of mourning to honour the victims of the tragedy.

“It is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. There are going to be long days ahead of us, but we must come together in love, unity, faith, patience and reverence.”

The President ended his address by asking all Guyanese to continue praying for the victims, survivors, their families and the emergency responders.

“May God watch over us and bring us through this horrific experience. God bless all of you.”