THE Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors and families affected by the tragic MV Barima disaster, with Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips dismissing claims that survivors were pressured into accepting compensation.
During Tuesday evening’s press briefing, the Prime Minister said that the assistance provided by the government was intended to meet the immediate needs of those rescued from the vessel after they arrived ashore with little or nothing.
He said the government provided financial assistance, clothing, food and transportation to help survivors return to their communities and reunite with their loved ones.
“Nobody was forced to sign any document for compensation as a result of this incident. What we did as a caring government, people were rescued and they had nothing, so we provided funds and we provided clothing for them… we provided food for them, we provided transportation to take them to wherever they wanted to go and to be comforted and to be reconnected with their families, so nobody is being forced to accept any compensation,” the Prime Minister said.
He affirmed, “These are things that any government will do for its people and we are proud that we are doing that.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come as the government continues to coordinate relief efforts while search, rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing following the maritime tragedy.
In addition to supporting survivors, the government has also been assisting relatives of those who perished in the incident.
To help grieving families through the difficult identification process, the government has been transporting relatives from Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Georgetown to the Suddie Hospital, where the identification of victims is being conducted.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony and his team continue to oversee the identification process and the subsequent release of the remains to families once the necessary procedures have been completed.
The government has said it remains committed to ensuring that families receive the support they need during this period of mourning, while maintaining proper procedures for the dignified handling and identification of victims.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also reminded all those involved in recovery efforts that every person recovered from the sea must be handed over immediately to the Guyana Police Force at the designated recovery site at Charity.
According to him, this is necessary to ensure that established recovery and identification protocols are strictly followed, allowing authorities to accurately identify victims and properly document the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The government has pledged to continue standing with affected communities as the search, rescue and recovery operations continue, while ensuring survivors receive the assistance they require and bereaved families are supported throughout the identification and recovery process.