-To assist with MV Barima victim identification

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has approved the transportation of 35 relatives from Region One to assist authorities with the identification of victims recovered from the MV Barima tragedy.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips announced the initiative during Monday evening press briefing, explaining that the President made the decision after meeting with grieving families during visits to Port Kaituma and Mabaruma.

The Prime Minister said 13 relatives from Port Kaituma requested transportation to Essequibo so they could help identify victims. President Ali immediately approved the request, arranging aircraft to transport them to Hampton Court, from where they will be accommodated and taken to Suddie Hospital to assist with the identification process.

A similar request was later made by families in Mabaruma, prompting the President to also approve transportation for 22 additional relatives.

The Prime Minister said the measure is intended to ensure victims are identified as quickly and accurately as possible while providing families with an opportunity to help bring closure to their communities.

The government has also introduced new identification protocols, including the use of photographs of recovered bodies at family assistance centres and is mulling the option of DNA testing where necessary.

President Ali returned to Guyana late Sunday night and travelled to Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, and Charity on Monday to meet affected families and assess the ongoing search-and-rescue operation firsthand.

The President has remained in Charity, where he is receiving updates and overseeing aspects of the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.