Families view live MV Barima recovery operations at sea

…30 victims laid to rest, counselling, funeral support continues for affected families – Region 1 Chair

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday assured relatives of those still missing following the MV Barima tragedy that any decision to establish a memorial at the site where the ferry sank would rest entirely with the families of the victims. The assurance came during a meeting with relatives at Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where the Head of State provided an update on the ongoing search and recovery operation. The family members were also given the opportunity to view live footage from the recovery efforts taking place at sea. In a statement posted on social media, President Ali said the operation would continue throughout the night and into Monday as local and international teams persist in their efforts to recover those who remain missing. During the engagement, relatives expressed concerns about what would happen if some of their loved ones are never recovered. They suggested that the area where the MV Barima sank be designated a memorial site bearing the names of those who perished as well as those who remain missing. Responding to the request, President Ali told the families that no decision would be made without their agreement.
“The families raised concerns about how the area would be designated if their loved ones are not recovered. They asked whether the site could be designated a memorial site bearing the names of those who perished and are missing. The President assured family members that this decision would solely depend on the wishes of the families of those still missing. He further assured them that the Government will honour and respect their wishes,” the statement said.

Extensive support
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman of Region One (Barima-Waini), Brentnol Ashley, outlined the extensive support being provided to those affected by the tragedy over the past week. Ashley said that since the incident occurred last Saturday, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), working with psychologists, social workers and other officials, has contacted every affected family, including survivors, relatives of survivors and families who lost loved ones. According to him, significant efforts have also been made over the past three days to ensure victims were laid to rest with dignity in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and the Matakai sub-region. “So far, we have been able, through our various counsellors, whether psychologists or social workers, to reach out to every family that were affected, whether they’re survivors’ families or the survivors themselves, as well as families who would have lost their loved ones in this tragedy,” Ashley said. He disclosed that approximately 16 funerals have already been conducted in Mabaruma, with one more still to be held, while another 14 funerals have taken place in the Matakai sub-region. In total, 30 funerals have been completed over the last three days. Ashley explained that regional authorities coordinated the transportation of bodies from Charity to the respective communities and ensured that families received the support needed to organise funeral services according to their wishes. This included the provision of coffins, burial clothing and other requested items, as well as assistance in planning funeral services. Authorities also arranged venues, public address systems, musicians and pastors from various denominations to officiate at the services.

He noted that families were involved throughout the entire process, from the preparation of their loved ones’ bodies to the burial itself.
“We’ve ensured that pastors from various denominations were involved. We ensured that musicians and musical instruments and the necessary public address system, a venue for the funeral to be held, all were put in place, so that families could have only been allowed to grieve and to be consoled and to be comforted during this process,” Ashley stated.
He added that the support being provided extends beyond funeral arrangements, with psychologists and social workers continuing to engage survivors and grieving families to provide ongoing counselling and psychosocial assistance.
“We will continue to support every family, not only by material or other support, but by having our psychologists and social workers reach out to them, engage them, counsel with them, and give that psychosocial support that is required to ensure that the families that are affected, the survivors themselves, they have a sense of consolation during this period,” the Regional Chairman said.

Regional, international legal and maritime experts
The latest update comes as the Government advances preparations for an independent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the July 18 disaster. On Sunday, President Ali announced the appointment of a five-member panel of regional and international legal and maritime experts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The Commission will be chaired by former Belizean Justice of Appeal Godfrey Phillip Smith and includes internationally recognised maritime safety specialist Captain Hamada Fouda, Trinidad and Tobago Senior Attorney-at-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Polish forensic naval architecture and marine engineering expert Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, and retired Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral Hayden A. Pritchard. The Commission has been established under Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act and is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the ferry’s capsizing, determine contributing factors and make recommendations aimed at strengthening maritime safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The MV Barima capsized on the night of July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma after encountering rough seas off the Essequibo Coast. According to the latest official figures provided in the background information, 76 people have been rescued, 73 bodies have been recovered and 30 people remain unaccounted for as search and recovery operations continue.