— Warns false social media posts are deepening the anguish of families
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has made an emotional appeal to Guyanese to stop sharing graphic images of victims of the MV Barima tragedy and to refrain from posting unverified information, warning that such actions are inflicting further psychological trauma on grieving families.
Speaking to relatives gathered at the Charity Waterfront on Wednesday evening, the President said family members had specifically asked him to make the appeal after false reports and disturbing images continued to circulate on social media.
“I am begging Guyanese. Please have some amount of dignity and respect,” President Ali said.
He explained that some families have been devastated by social media posts falsely claiming that the bodies of their loved ones had been found and identified before relatives had even been officially notified.
There have also been instances where graphic images of recovered bodies were shared online before family members had the opportunity to make an identification.
“It is hurting them emotionally. It is affecting them emotionally,” he said.
President Ali urged citizens not to post photographs of the deceased or make announcements unless the information has been officially verified.
“Do not post images of their family members on social media. Do not make any announcement that is not verified. It is having a psychological effect on family members,” he pleaded.
He said the request came directly from relatives gathered at the operation centre, many of whom are still awaiting news of loved ones who remain missing.
The President stressed that official identification of recovered bodies follows a structured process involving family members and health authorities, and urged the public to allow that process to take place without interference.
“Please, my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters, do not post any graphic images. Do not post unverified information,” the President said, adding that families deserve privacy, dignity and compassion as they navigate one of the country’s worst maritime tragedies.
His appeal came as search and recovery operations continued into Wednesday night, with authorities working to identify victims and return them to their families while providing counselling, transportation and other support services.
As of Wednesday, the MV Barima tragedy has climbed to 65 since search and rescue operations began following Saturday night’s tragedy.
Of those recovered, 44 victims have been positively identified by their families, while 23 bodies have already been released to relatives for funeral rites and burial.
Phillips said regional authorities, together with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, continue to work closely with grieving families to facilitate the identification process and the release of victims.
Meanwhile, the number of rescued passengers and crew remains unchanged at 76.
