The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched an extensive psychosocial response to support survivors of the MV Barima tragedy and families anxiously awaiting news of loved ones still missing.

Subject Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud told a news briefing that the ministry immediately deployed psychologists, social workers and child protection officers to Regions One and Two to provide emotional support and counselling as the tragedy unfolded.

“Our hearts go out to every person who is still in agony, waiting for their loved ones,” Dr. Persaud said, as she expressed sympathy for those affected and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them throughout the ordeal.

In Region One, ministry teams were dispatched to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, where they have been meeting with families waiting for updates on relatives, offering counselling, comfort and emotional support.

Additional social workers and child protection officers were also deployed to the Charity Hospital in Region Two, where survivors received trauma-focused counselling, grief counselling and psychosocial support upon arrival after being rescued.

“We continue to offer support. We went late into the evening speaking with families and speaking to survivors, and we’ll continue to provide that psychosocial support that is so desperately needed at this time,” she said.

Dr. Persaud acknowledged that many families are still enduring uncertainty as rescue efforts continue and said the government remains hopeful that more survivors will be found.

She also extended condolences to families who have lost loved ones, assuring them that the ministry will continue providing emotional and psychological support during the recovery process.