Regional leaders rally behind Guyana after MV Barima tragedy
Key Points(5)
- Caribbean leaders and regional organisations have expressed solidarity with Guyana following the capsizing of the MV Barima, pledging support as search and rescue operations continue for those missing after the tragedy.
- The outpouring of regional support has included offers of operational assistance, condolences to affected families and commitments to stand with Guyana during one of the country’s most difficult moments.
- Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed condolences on behalf of her government and people, while announcing that her country had deployed resources to assist with the ongoing recovery effort.
- “The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is deeply saddened by the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima and the significant loss of life this incident may have caused,” Persad-Bissessar said.
- She said Trinidad and Tobago had mobilised air and naval assets, along with personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, including a Coast Guard search and rescue team and a C-26 surveillance aircraft to support aerial operations.
Caribbean leaders and regional organisations have expressed solidarity with Guyana following the capsizing of the MV Barima, pledging support as search and rescue operations continue for those missing after the tragedy.
The outpouring of regional support has included offers of operational assistance, condolences to affected families and commitments to stand with Guyana during one of the country’s most difficult moments.
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed condolences on behalf of her government and people, while announcing that her country had deployed resources to assist with the ongoing recovery effort.
“The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is deeply saddened by the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima and the significant loss of life this incident may have caused,” Persad-Bissessar said.
She said Trinidad and Tobago had mobilised air and naval assets, along with personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, including a Coast Guard search and rescue team and a C-26 surveillance aircraft to support aerial operations.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also extended condolences to Guyana, offering support to President Irfaan Ali, the government and people of Guyana, particularly the families affected by the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I express our solidarity with President Irfaan Ali, the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and especially to the families and loved ones of those affected,” Holness said.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also expressed its support, acknowledging the efforts of emergency personnel, volunteers and agencies involved in the rescue operation.
“CARICOM stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Guyana, in particular, the families and communities that are being impacted by this unfolding disaster,” the regional body said.
The CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) likewise offered condolences and pledged assistance as Guyana continues its response.
“As a regional private sector body, the CPSO stands ready to support and assist in the days ahead,” the organisation said.
The support comes as Guyanese authorities continue coordinating a major search and rescue operation involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Guyana Police Force, private vessel operators, fishermen and volunteers.
The regional response highlights the Caribbean’s shared commitment to supporting member states during times of crisis, as Guyana continues efforts to locate and account for everyone who was aboard the MV Barima.
