Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, assuring that no effort is being spared in the ongoing response and that those impacted will continue to receive the Government’s attention.
Addressing Toshaos at the 2026 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, Dr. Jagdeo said the entire Government had been mobilised from the moment distress calls were received.
“The entire Cabinet, from the moment we got that message, every member of the Cabinet was up throughout the night… We were in constant communication with the Coast Guard and others, talking to them about deploying immediately, which they did,” he said.
The Vice President said the Government remains fully engaged in the response, noting that search efforts continue while authorities work to account for everyone who may have been aboard the vessel.
“We’re still fully mobilised… and we are not discontinuing that effort,” the VP said.
Dr. Jagdeo also highlighted President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s visit to Region One, where he met with residents in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma before travelling to the Essequibo Coast to be with relatives awaiting news of their loved ones.
Acknowledging the impact of the tragedy on the National Toshaos Council Conference, the Vice President said Toshaos from the affected communities who opted to return home would still be afforded an opportunity to engage with the Government after the conference.
“They’re not gonna be left out… we’ll meet with them separately to listen to all of their concerns and hopefully address them,” he said.