Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips appealed to the public to allow an independent investigation into the MV Barima Tragedy to proceed, assuring citizens that the government remains committed to a transparent process as search, rescue and recovery operations continue.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday evening, the prime minister said the government is obligated to ensure that every aspect of the incident is thoroughly examined, given the significant loss of life.
“If you have a report, when the investigation process starts, the Commission of Inquiry, or whatever you want to call it, feel free to come forward and give statements, presenting facts to that Commission of Inquiry.”
He said, “We are obligated as a government to do that. A lot of people lost their lives here.”
It will, he said, continue to answer questions openly while respecting the integrity of the investigative process.
PM Phillips also sought to reassure the public that the government has nothing to conceal.
Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts have intensified, with 16 state and privately operated vessels now deployed across approximately 400 square miles, extending into the Waini Point area in an effort to maximise the chances of locating any remaining survivors.
As of 18:00 hrs on Tuesday, the prime minister confirmed that 76 persons had been rescued, while the number of bodies recovered had risen to 53.
Of those, 26 victims have been positively identified.
French and Guyanese divers have continued underwater operations at the wreck site.
However, the PM disclosed that no survivors were found during the latest dive, although one body was located inside the vessel.
Recovery efforts were unsuccessful, in this respect, but will continue.
The identification process remains ongoing at the Suddie Hospital, where Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and medical personnel continue to support forensic examinations and assist grieving families.
The prime minister disclosed that 11 of the identified victims have already been repatriated to their respective communities at the request of their families.
Minister Phillips noted that arrangements are continuing to facilitate additional repatriations as identifications are confirmed.
Four refrigerated containers were deployed to support the identification and dignified handling of victims.
At present, 42 bodies remain in storage while regional authorities work closely with families to coordinate identification, funeral and burial arrangements in their home communities.
PM Phillips reminded all agencies and volunteers involved in the search, rescue and recovery operations that any bodies recovered must be transferred immediately to the custody of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the designated facility at Charity River Dam, in accordance with established recovery and identification protocols.
Reiterating the government’s support for affected families, the prime minister extended condolences to those who have lost loved ones in what has become one of the country’s biggest tragedy.
“The Government of Guyana extends again its deepest condolences to the families who suffered unimaginable loss and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting them through this difficult period,” he expressed.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has also declared three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.
The government has urged the nation to continue keeping the victims, their families and all emergency personnel engaged in the operation in their thoughts and prayers as search, rescue and recovery efforts continue.
DPI
