RELATIVES of those who perished in the MV Barima disaster have expressed outrage and dismay after photographs of their family members appeared during an opposition-led demonstration at Parliament’s sitting, stating that no one sought or received their consent to use the images for political purposes.

Numerous family members described feeling profoundly hurt upon seeing their children’s and relatives’ faces displayed in what they characterised as a one-sided political action, emphasising that their sorrow must not be turned into a weapon for partisan agendas.

While affirming their continued determination to pursue truth, accountability, and justice on behalf of the victims, the families made clear they will not tolerate their loss being manipulated for narrow political advantage.

“We don’t want our relatives to be drawn into the political divide, but we must honor them by seeking answers,” said one relative overcome with grief.

A second family member insisted that the tragedy is a matter of national concern, not something to be co-opted by any single faction or exploited for political mileage.

Going forward, the families are appealing to political organisations, civil society groups, and the general public alike to treat the victims’ memory with dignity and to obtain family consent before featuring personal images in any form of public advocacy.

They further appealed for attention to shift toward assisting bereaved families, establishing the complete truth behind the tragedy, and drawing the necessary lessons to prevent a similar catastrophe from recurring in the future.