In the wake of the capsizing of the MV Barima on Saturday evening, government ministers have remained on the ground, providing support and reassurance to families as search and rescue efforts continue.
At the Umana Yana in Georgetown, several ministers have been meeting directly with relatives of passengers, listening to their concerns, providing updates and ensuring they have access to the support they need during this difficult time.
Government teams are also engaging families and receiving information at the Port Kaituma Community Centre and the NAREI Extension Centre in Kumaka, Region One.
In a short video posted on Sunday, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy expressed the government’s commitment to supporting affected families, while urging the public to rely on official channels for verified updates.
Several ministers continously engage families whose relatives were on the MV Barima vessel
“This is why we govern, for people. We are here to support at every level. Please listen to the official channels of government as we share updated information on the search and rescue operation… Please assure yourselves as we assure you of all our efforts and support in this effort,” Minister McCoy noted.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, assured relatives that they are not facing this difficult period alone, noting that social workers have been deployed to provide continuous psychosocial support.
“We know that this is tough for you. We want you to know that we are with you in this. Social workers have been sent in and they will be there with you throughout it.”
Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, said the government has mobilised all available resources to assist families and support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag along with Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond at Umana Yana
“We are deploying all of government’s resources to assist you. We are still continuing the search and rescue and remain hopeful. Please know that we are in pain with you as well during this journey.”
Also engaging families are Minister of Education Sonia Parag, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, along with other government officials who continue to coordinate assistance and provide timely updates.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the government remains committed to standing with affected families by providing information and support during this difficult time.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag engaging with grieving families
