New ‘HEART’ initiative to support persons affected by MV Barima tragedy – President

President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced a new initiative that will provide support to survivors and bereaved families affected by the MV Barima tragedy.

In a video shared on Facebook on Monday morning, President Ali said the new initiative will promote healing and mobilise financial assistance needed. He clarified that this initiative is not meant to be compensation for the affected individuals.

He named this new venture the HEART (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust) initiative.

Furthermore, the President said this initiative will be overseen by trusted religious and civil society leaders from across Guyana, led by Carl Stuart. Additionally, Former Belizean Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Harrison Courtenay has been tasked with mobilising financial assistance for affected persons.

“This assistance does not constitute compensation for survivors and bereaved families.

“These measures embody a commitment that every survivor and their families will be supported,” President Ali said.

A day before, the President announced that a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy will be led by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize and includes regional and international commissioners versed in maritime operations and law.

The other members of the Commission are: Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski.

The announcements follow the sinking of the MV Barima, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Guyana’s history, which claimed dozens of lives and prompted calls for a full independent investigation.