AS the nation continues to mourn the devastating MV Barima tragedy, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education, has significantly expanded its psychosocial and counselling services to ensure that survivors, grieving families and affected communities receive the long-term emotional and mental health support they need.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has assured the public that since Sunday, the ministry has maintained a strong presence in Regions One and Two, where trained professionals are working directly with those impacted by the disaster.
The minister said that comprehensive psychosocial interventions are being provided, including trauma-focused counselling, grief therapy, emotional support and crisis intervention.
These services are being delivered through in-person sessions, home visits and community outreach by social workers and trained counsellors stationed across the affected regions.
Recognising that the emotional impact of the tragedy extends beyond the immediate victims, the ministry has also expanded its mental health hotline services and established additional therapy hubs throughout the regions.
The services are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., providing free and confidential support to anyone struggling to cope with the tragedy. The toll-free hotline numbers are 713-3100 and 713-4100.
Dr. Persaud emphasised that these services are not limited to the families of those who lost their lives or the survivors of the MV Barima disaster. Anyone affected by the tragedy, whether emotionally or psychologically, is encouraged to seek assistance.
“The grief and emotions surrounding this tragedy are overwhelming, and it has been difficult for everyone,” Dr. Persaud said, adding, “We want every person who needs support to know that help is available.”
She noted that the ministry has mobilised an extensive network of professionals, including mental health specialists, grief therapists, social workers and trauma counsellors.
These efforts are being coordinated in partnership with the Ministry of Health and supported by the Ministry of Education to ensure affected families, including children, receive appropriate care.
In addition to face-to-face counselling, online platforms have also been activated to provide greater access to mental health services.
The ministry is further collaborating with international organisations and members of the Guyanese diaspora who have offered expertise and assistance during this difficult period.
The ministry is also ensuring that families have access to other essential forms of support, including medication where necessary and specialised interventions for children.
Social workers continue to work around the clock, visiting homes, monitoring vulnerable families and connecting individuals with the services they require.
Dr. Persaud stressed that recovery from such a traumatic event is a long-term process and encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress to reach out through the available channels.
She assured that every individual who makes contact will be guided to the appropriate counselling services, resources and community-based support programmes designed to foster healing and resilience.
As search, recovery and identification efforts continue following the MV Barima tragedy, the government’s expanded mental health response underscores its commitment to standing beside survivors and bereaved families, ensuring they are not left to navigate their grief alone.
