MV Barima tragedy-NTC joins calls for transparent, independent investigation

The National Toshaos Council (NTC), which represents more than 250 Indigenous leaders, has joined calls for a comprehensive, transparent and independent review of the circumstances surrounding the deadly MV Barima incident which has left scores of children and adults dead. The NTC maintains that such an impartial review will examine not only the immediate circumstances surrounding the tragedy but also the broader systems, policies, regulatory frameworks, operational procedures, and maritime safety protocols to ensure lessons are learned and meaningful reforms are implemented to prevent a similar catastrophe from occurring again.
Further, the Council urged that every necessary measure be taken to provide comprehensive support to the affected families and survivors while adding that support should extend beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and include sustained long-term assistance, including psychosocial care, financial and social support where appropriate, educational assistance for affected children, and any other interventions necessary to help families and survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.

However, as Guyana continues to mourn, the Amerindian leaders reaffirmed their commitment to standing with the affected families in their time of grief.
Nevertheless, the Council commends the emergency responders; medical personnel; members of the disciplined services; volunteers; President Dr Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; other members of the Cabinet; and all those who worked tirelessly in the rescue, recovery, and support efforts.
Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne noted that the Government shares in the grief of the affected communities, adding that, as a mother of three young children, she could not imagine the anguish experienced by parents who had lost their children or who continued to wait for answers.
“We feel their pain, the hurt, the feeling of being lost. As a mother of three young children myself, every hour I look forward to going home for the vacation, for that time, for the holidays, and up to two weeks ago I took my children home,” she stated, drawing a correlation to her own life. Browne also related that the country now awaits the outcome of an independent investigation which will determine the cause of the tragedy, identify those responsible, and ensure that systems are strengthened to better protect citizens in the future.
Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the incident, she recalled travelling to Port Kaituma the morning after the tragedy to await updates alongside anxious relatives at a time when the full scale of the disaster was still unknown.
“When the news of this tragedy broke the following morning, I was on a plane to Port Kaituma to wait for news with the people, as we did not know the magnitude of the tragedy,” she said.
She also recounted the anguish of families desperately waiting for information about their loved ones.
“By the time the names of the survivors were released, how do you tell anxious mothers waiting that you did not hear your son’s name but that we are still searching? Do not lose hope,” Browne said.
The Minister concluded by acknowledging the immense grief being endured by families as many laid their loved ones to rest, saying the nation continues to stand with those affected during this period of mourning.