Pres. Ali vows full, thorough & independent probe in MV Barima tragedy; pledges full support to grieving families

See full statement from President Dr Irfaan Ali:

Our nation has been plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions. The capsizing of the M.V. Barima has pierced the heart of our nation, leaving us united in grief, anxiety and sorrow.

Families wait in expectation and anguish for news of loved ones. Communities are mourning. Across Guyana, our hearts are heavy as we confront one of the most painful moments in our history.

This morning, I visited survivors as well as the families and relations of some of those still missing, including those in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma.

I also visited those hospitalised at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital. It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need at this time.

Our priority remains to protect every life that can still be saved; to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss; to comfort grieving families; and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for. Every minute matters, every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission.

I pay the highest tribute to the extraordinary men and women who responded immediately to this disaster. From the moment news of the tragedy reached us, a massive rescue effort was launched with urgency and determination.

I commend the bravery, selflessness and courage of every individual involved in these operations, led by our Prime Minister, together with members of our Cabinet, the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, fishermen, community members, religious leaders, members of Parliament, the private sector, civil society and international partners. Their actions have reflected the very best of Guyana.

This has been a truly national effort in a time of profound national anguish. It is a powerful reminder that when adversity strikes, the people of Guyana stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared humanity.
I wish to assure every citizen that we are sparing no effort in this ongoing rescue and recovery mission. Every available asset is being deployed. Every agency is working around the clock. We will continue this effort with determination and resolve until every possible avenue has been exhausted.

I also assure the nation that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation into this tragedy. The families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers. They deserve to know precisely what transpired and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event. We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability.

But now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicize a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many. There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgment.

Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to support the traumatized, and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down.

Throughout our history, Guyanese have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of tragedy. Let us find strength in faith, hope and in our unity – the qualities that define us as a nation. And let us muster all of our courage and determination to overcome this tragedy.

I once again ask every Guyanese to keep the victims, the survivors, their families, and the brave rescuers in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out where you can. Offer comfort where it is needed. Let compassion and support, not division, guide our words and actions.

We owe it to every passenger aboard the M.V. Barima, those who have been rescued, those who have been lost, and those who remain unaccounted for, to come together in unity, solidarity and purpose as we undertake the mammoth task that still lies before us.

In the coming hours and days, it is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. There are going to be long days ahead of us, difficult days from this tragedy but we must come together in love, unity, faith, patience and reverence to the families and communities most affected. In the coming hours, I will announce the form of mourning our nation will take.

May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrific experience.

God bless all of you, especially the families of all those who were aboard the MV Barima.
I thank you.