President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali says the HEART (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust) Initiative remains the government’s central mechanism for coordinating recovery assistance following the MV Barima tragedy, with structured support now reaching more than 750 affected persons across Regions One to Ten.
The head of state said the initiative’s Secretariat, comprising stakeholders representing every sector of Guyana, is fully operational under Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepard, and that the affected persons registry and needs assessment are both 99 percent complete.
“The government is in this for the long term. We understand the long-term responsibility,” the president told reporters at a press conference at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office.
He noted that the needs assessment covers immediate, medium- and long-term support for children, parents and grandparents affected by the disaster.
Financial and housing support
According to President Ali, $122.35 million in financial assistance has been provided so far to the families of deceased persons, survivors, and the families of missing persons. On housing, the president said the Ministry of Housing has approved 20 families for land and turnkey homes valued at approximately $73.99 million.
Psychological, educational and legal support
President Ali said psychological support continues for affected families, with social workers and psychologists assigned and Tier 3 and Tier 4 trauma interventions active. Support is also being provided to children returning to school, covering their educational needs.
On documentation, President Ali said recovery efforts are underway with relevant agencies, including the Guyana Police Force, to assist families, including non-Guyanese families affected by the tragedy, with legal matters such as probate, estate, guardianship and immigration documentation.
Livelihood and community support
President Ali said livelihood recovery, spiritual and community support, and family-oriented activities are also part of the HEART Initiative’s work, with private sector partners mobilising resources to support the effort.
“The private sector is also part of this.So they are mobilising resources. And, of course, support in family-orientated activities. We also have the legal team that has commenced work collectively and then individually with families,” the president said.
The legal team, the president said, is advising them on their rights and on how long-term, immediate, and medium-term financial and material support can be structured, particularly where children are involved.