GDF dedicated to search, rescue and recovery mission after MV Barima tragedy – Chief of Defence Staff

Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan says the Guyana Defence Force remains committed to completing the search and recovery mission following the MV Barima tragedy.

Brigadier Khan, during an interview with the News Room, explained that one of the GDF’s core responsibilities is maintaining the capability to respond to search and rescue operations.

“The Guyana Defence Force has three roles, and one of those roles is that we must have our assets available to contribute to search and rescue operations based on our capabilities, awareness and training,” Brigadier Khan stated.

He noted that the GDF is leading the ongoing operation in Region Two while working closely with local fisherfolk, whose extensive knowledge of the sea has been invaluable.

“We are drawing that strength in planning our operation,” he stated.

Brigadier Khan also praised the outpouring of support from residents and volunteers.

“I believe that this is another incident that, even though tragic and so impactful, the love, the comfort and the support from everyone is really remarkable.”

He said the force remains focused on completing the mission and providing some measure of comfort to grieving families.

“I know we will work to complete this mission and bring, not necessarily closure, but some satisfaction to the families in bringing their loved ones,” Brigadier Khan told the News Room.

Responding to questions about the GDF’s readiness, Brigadier Khan stressed that the military is always prepared to respond to emergencies.

“We are always ready, 24 hours. There’s a saying, ‘We go to bed ready,’ meaning we are always prepared. There is always a standby force ready to respond to any emergency in any part of Guyana,” Brigadier Khan said.

The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo vessel, left Port Georgetown on Saturday afternoon and was heading to Port Kaituma in Region One. Late Saturday night, tragedy struck.

This tragedy has gripped the nation, but striking revelations have raised many questions.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Sunday night said officials initially believed they were searching for 116 passengers and 17 crew members, based on the official manifest. But investigations revealed that only 35 of the 67 initially rescued were listed on the passenger manifest, meaning 32 survivors were never officially recorded as passengers before the vessel left Georgetown. Once this information came to light, the list of passengers was released to the public.

The vessel’s cargo manifest showed it was carrying 268 tonnes of cargo, below its licensed capacity of 284 tonnes. But now that is also under question too.

Additionally, the vessel’s captain and first engineer have been arrested after both tested positive for narcotics. This information was released to the public soon after authorities found out.

The government has said that an investigation will be launched to determine what really caused the ferry to capsize. President Dr Irfaan Ali has promised a full and thorough investigation into the entire tragedy.