MV Barima tragedy: “You will not face the days ahead alone” – PM to grieving families, survivors

As the three days of national mourning in honour of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy commenced on Wednesday, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips assured the survivors as well as grieving family members of persons who have lost their lives and those still missing that they will not have to endure this incredibly difficult time alone.

Speaking at an interfaith national prayer service held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown on Wednesday evening, the PM reiterated the Guyana Government’s commitment to supporting all those persons affected by this tragedy.

“We understand fully that there are no words capable of removing the pain you now carry. Therefore, we can only stand beside you, pray with you, and assure you that you will not face the days ahead alone,” Phillips declared.

He went on to recognise that this ferry incident, which he described as “one of the most painful periods” in the country’s recent history, has brought unfathomable sorrow to families, communities, and the wider Guyanese population here and abroad.

“Lives have been lost, while many families continue to wait for news of their loved ones, and survivors must now live with memories that few of us can fully understand.”

The MV Barima capsized off the Essequibo Coast on Saturday night, while en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying 179 passengers, including 18 crew members, and cargo. Authorities say rough Atlantic waters caused the vessel to topple on its side before sinking.

So far, at least 76 persons have been rescued while 65 bodies were recovered as of late Wednesday afternoon. Of those 65 bodies found, some 44 have been positively identified by family members – 23 of whom have been released to their families.

The Guyana Government has already committed to supporting these grieving families with transportation and funeral arrangements for these victims.

However, there are still scores of other family members who are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, still unaccounted for. Many of them are gathered at Charity on the Essequibo Coast, where the bodies recovered are taken for identification and storage.

Since Monday, President Dr Irfaan Ali has been in Charity, engaging with survivors and distraught family members who are waiting on news of those missing persons.

“Tonight, we remember those who boarded the vessel expecting to arrive safely at their destination. They were parents and children, relatives and friends. They were people with plans, waiting for them at home. Each of them carries a story, and now their absence will be felt forever at family tables, in schools, workplaces, and communities. We pray that Almighty God will grant comfort to those who mourn. We ask Him to strengthen the injured and the survivors. We also pray for those still awaiting word of relatives, for whom each passing hour carries fear and uncertainty. The government of Guyana remains committed to the rescue and recovery operation. This is our primary focus,” PM Phillips stated during the prayer service.

Currently, a total of 19 vessels, both state and private, and three aircraft are engaged in the search and rescue operation. Additionally, maritime assets and personnel from the French Guiana army, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy have arrived at the site offshore, where the sunken vessel is lying on the seabed. Their teams will support the diving operations and other specialised recovery activities as efforts are ongoing to reposition the ferry to have it brought closer to shore for better access.

Moreover, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) have deployed smaller vessels to conduct searches further inland in an effort to locate any remaining passengers.

PM Phillips extended deep gratitude to those men and women in uniform, medical professionals and other public servants who have responded to the call of duty since Saturday night and have been working to respond to this tragedy since.

Similarly, the PM also recognised the efforts of the private sector and the invaluable contributions of the local fishermen from the Essequibo Coast, who were first on the scene to get to the survivors offshore and continue to assist with the operations.

According to Phillips, this incident has brought many persons – families, friends, neighbours, and even strangers – together.

“We also acknowledge the citizens who have offered food, transportation, accommodation, and other forms of help to affected families. Some have sat beside grieving relatives or joined them in prayer. Such acts may appear small in the face of great loss, but they carry tremendous meaning.”

“In these trying days, our strength will come from brotherhood and sisterhood, faith and the knowledge that we belong to one Guyanese family. We must continue to support the bereaved and help the survivors rebuild their lives. Their sorrow will not end when the recovery operation concludes. And neither should our concern for them,” he posited.

During the national prayer service on Wednesday evening, there were presentations from the three main religious groups in Guyana. Persons attending also laid wreaths at a memorial site set up at the Kingston seawall.

In addition, there was a book of condolences that was signed by officials and other persons who attended the service.

The three-day national mourning will continue today with a ‘Night of Reflection and Prayer’ in remembrance of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy scheduled for tonight at Port Kaituma and then a similar event on Friday at Mabaruma, also in Region One.