– counselling, transport and funeral arrangements being coordinated nationwide
– President says survivors and relatives will receive continued assistance after recovery phase

AS the recovery operation following the MV Barima tragedy enters another critical phase, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has assured grieving families that the government will continue to stand with them long after search-and-recovery efforts end, with comprehensive support already in place to assist relatives, survivors and affected communities.
The President was at the time speaking with relatives in Charity, Region Two on Wednesday evening, during which he said while authorities remain focused on recovering those still unaccounted for, equal attention is being given to ensuring families receive the emotional, logistical and practical support they need during the difficult days ahead.
He reaffirmed that the recovery operation would continue despite challenging conditions at sea, noting that strong currents had prevented divers from making the progress anticipated in accessing the sunken vessel.
“We are not going to stop… we will be here with you,” the President assured relatives.
At the same time, he said the government has mobilised an extensive support system to assist families as victims are identified and returned to their home communities.
Several bodies recovered during the latest phase of the operation have already been positively identified, with medical teams working around the clock to complete the necessary procedures to facilitate their release to relatives.
President Ali commended Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh and healthcare workers in Region Two for their tireless efforts to expedite the identification process while providing compassionate care to grieving families.
He explained that dedicated teams have also been assigned to coordinate the transportation of both victims and relatives, ensuring they are safely returned to their respective regions.
“We have an entire system that is dedicated to the logistics, to the transport of the bodies and to the movement of families back to the different areas,” he said.
Beyond transportation, President Ali said regional administrations, working in collaboration with central government agencies, have already established mechanisms to assist families with funeral arrangements and the final resting places of their loved ones.
Counselling services are also being provided through several ministries and agencies, with members of the Guyana Defence Force Medical Corps, healthcare professionals and trained counsellors remaining on the ground to offer emotional and practical support throughout the process.
Importantly, the Head of State said government assistance will not end with the conclusion of the recovery mission.
“I’ve already said to each family member, after this phase there will be the next phase, and that is meeting with survivors and meeting with family members. You go through every other challenge with your local leaders,” he said, assuring relatives that their needs would continue to be addressed in the weeks and months ahead.