Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips says respecting the wishes of grieving families remains at the heart of government’s response to the MV Barima tragedy.

During Friday’s media briefing, the Prime Minister explained that authorities have been working closely with relatives since the disaster to identify both survivors and the deceased while ensuring funeral arrangements honour each family’s religious and cultural traditions.

“From the inception, we said we were working with the families to identify both survivors and the deceased,” Phillips said.

He added that government is also respecting the rights and wishes of families regarding burial arrangements.

“We are working with the families to respect the rights of the deceased in keeping with the wishes of the family.”

Responding to questions about varying burial practices across communities, the Prime Minister said every decision has been guided by relatives.

“It is in keeping with families’ wishes,” he stressed.

Phillips also revealed that Cabinet did not meet this week because ministers have instead been fully engaged in the national response.

“Our ministers are attending funerals. Our ministers are working with families that are affected.”

He said government’s immediate focus remains helping families through the tragedy while continuing search and recovery operations.