The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has mobilised social workers, counsellors and psychologists to provide ongoing psychosocial support and counselling to survivors, bereaved families and others affected by the MV Barima tragedy.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud said a command centre was established at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, on Sunday, where ministry personnel have been coordinating logistics, counselling and family therapy as the national response to the tragedy continues.
Speaking recently on the New Day radio programme on GoMoseley Radio, Dr Persaud said the ministry has also been assisting families travelling to Region Two, ensuring that they receive support throughout the journey.
“We make sure when they go, they have breakfast, they have something to drink, and we’re sending social workers with them on the flight, sending social workers with them to the airport. They are received by social workers on the ground,” she said.
“So, there’s constant comfort, a constant presence, because that’s what’s needed at this time,” she added.
Dr Persaud said a team from the ministry was established immediately after officials were informed of the tragedy. The response involves the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Family Enhancement Services Section and the Social Services Unit.
She added that the counselling and psychosocial support response is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, with support from the Ministry of Education.
Social workers have been deployed to Region One, Region Two and various command centres, including the Umana Yana, while additional teams in regions where affected individuals have been identified are engaging with bereaved families and survivors.
“We have had social workers on the ground in Region One, Region Two, and at the Command Centres, including the Umana Yana; but now with persons being identified, the social work teams in the regions where those persons have been identified have been going out, and will continue to go out to engage with families who have lost, and even survivors,” Dr Persaud said.
She noted that the number of people requiring assistance is substantial and continues to grow as more affected individuals are identified.
“Trauma is there, whichever way you look at it, grief is there, and we are working assiduously and consistently with those families,” she said.
According to the minister, social workers have also travelled to Smith Creek, where they are conducting family and individual counselling sessions for adults and children affected by the tragedy.
Dr Persaud said the ministry is working with the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and has engaged additional psychologists to strengthen the support services being offered.
The ministry is also preparing to extend psychosocial support to first responders and other personnel involved in the aftermath of the disaster.
Dr Persaud said the Transport and Harbours Department was among the first agencies being engaged, given the loss of several crew members.
“This is necessary, and we will be putting together a team to deal with that,” she said.
The minister also disclosed that discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a hotline to provide support to members of the public who may be struggling emotionally with the tragedy.
She said the disaster has affected the wider population, including people who were not directly connected to the vessel or its passengers.
“This loss, this is devastating to anyone, and even if you speak to a Guyanese person who may not be directly affected, I think it is taking a toll on people,” Dr Persaud said.
As search and recovery efforts continue, the minister stressed the importance of healing, positivity and collective support, saying prayers from Guyanese at home and abroad could provide strength to those affected by the tragedy.