–defends search and rescue operation
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has forcefully pushed back against claims that private citizens or political figures are “ahead” of the government’s search and rescue operation for victims of the MV Barima ferry disaster, condemning what he described as the exploitation of the tragedy for political attention and social media engagement.
The MV Barima, carrying 179 passengers and crew, capsized off the Essequibo Coast late Saturday night as it travelled from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
As of Tuesday, authorities had recovered 53 bodies and rescued 76 people, with dozens still unaccounted for.
Investigators have pointed to an inaccurate passenger manifest and suspected drug use by crew members as possible contributing factors, and the vessel’s captain and other crew are now in police custody.
Amid the unfolding tragedy, there have been claims that private support, including boats deployed by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, were outpacing government operations.
“Let us be clear: Azzrudin is not ahead of the government’s search and rescue operations,” Phillips said.
He added: “The heartbreaking reality that, over time, some victims’ bodies would resurface is something search and rescue experts anticipated and planned for from the very beginning. This is not the result of social media posts or publicity stunts.”
The Prime Minister, who has been integral to the government’s response and briefing the nation daily since the vessel went down, said the recovery operation, involving the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, and international and regional partners, has run continuously since the first distress signal was received shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Officials have deployed dozens of assets, including boats, aircraft and helicopters, across a search area that has since been expanded by 400 square miles.
Phillips reserved his sharpest words for what he called the exploitation of the disaster online.
“What is truly reprehensible is exploiting this national tragedy for clicks, likes, and political attention,” he said, adding: “Even more disturbing is the posting and circulation of graphic images of the deceased. Such actions are deeply insensitive, inflict further pain on grieving families, and strip victims of the dignity they deserve.”
He called for the public to give space to both the professionals conducting recovery efforts and the families now grappling with unimaginable loss.
“This is a time for compassion, respect, and responsible conduct — not self-promotion,” Phillips said, adding: “Let the professionals continue their work, and let the families mourn their loved ones with the privacy and dignity they are owed.”
Bodies recovered from the wreck are being transported to a processing facility at Charity for handling by health and police officials before being taken to Suddie Hospital, where relatives are assisting with identification.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has declared a period of national mourning for the victims.
Government officials maintain that the swift release of information throughout the response demonstrates a commitment to transparency.
While investigators have now established how many people boarded the vessel, authorities emphasised that a separate and independent investigation will determine what caused the MV Barima to capsize.
President Ali has assured the nation that every available resource will remain committed to the search and recovery operation, while reaffirming that a full, thorough and independent investigation will establish precisely what occurred and whether any negligence, operational failures or other factors contributed to the tragedy
