President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced the establishment of the HEART Initiative, a national support programme aimed at providing sustained assistance to survivors of the MV Barima tragedy and the families of those who lost their lives.
In an address to the nation on Monday, the President said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring those affected continue to receive support long after the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
“I promised in the early hours of that tragedy that my government will stand with the survivors and the families of the victims… not until the headlines fade, but throughout the long, tender journey of healing,” President Ali said.
The HEART Initiative (Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust) will be overseen by respected religious and civil society leaders from across Guyana under the leadership of Carl Stuart. The body will coordinate material, emotional and spiritual support for affected families.
The President also announced that Belizean attorney and former government minister Eamon Harrison Courtenay has been engaged to assist in developing the framework for financial assistance for survivors and victims’ families.
President Ali stressed that the assistance being provided is not compensation but a demonstration of national solidarity.
“These measures embody a commitment that every survivor will be supported, every bereaved family will be treated with dignity,” he stated.
Calling on Guyanese to unite in support of those affected, the President said the initiative is intended to ensure that no survivor or grieving family faces the difficult road to recovery alone.
This comes a day after the President established a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the vessel. The five-member commission has been tasked with determining the causes of the tragedy, examining whether there were failures in safety protocols or regulatory oversight, and making recommendations to help prevent similar incidents.