Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, visited the grieving families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, in Region Three, offering condolences and support during a time of unimaginable loss.

The Minister visited the families of 12-year-old Viviana Sadruddin, a student of Parika Salem Secondary School, 9-year-old Akeila Rodrigues, and 8-year-old Robina Hernandez, whose lives were tragically lost in the incident. She also visited the family of 2-year-old Vince Wong, who remains missing as search efforts continue.

The children had been travelling with their grandmother, Helena Moonsammy, who was taking her grandchildren to spend the August holiday with their great-grandmother; a family visit that was expected to be filled with joy, laughter, and precious moments together. Instead, the journey ended in tragedy, leaving families mourning the loss of beloved children and loved ones.

Also aboard the vessel were their cousins Akieshaw Webber (11), Kesha Webber (13), Deliana Webber (13), and Renaldo Rodrigues (12), who survived the tragedy along with their grandmother. The family shared that the four surviving children were able to swim, while those who lost their lives or remain missing could not.

The grief has been especially painful for the family, with Helena Moonsammy remaining at Charity and refusing to leave until her two-year-old grandson, Vince, is found.

Minister Manickchand also attended the funeral service for Bibi Akleema Mohammed, 48, who would have celebrated her 49th birthday in August, and her husband, Ravindra Singh, 46, both of Zeelugt. The couple, who were vendors, would travel to Port Kaituma to sell clothing, working together to support their family.

During her visits and attendance at the funeral, Minister Manickchand extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of her support, as they navigate the pain and devastation caused by this tragic loss.

(MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE)