President Ali vows full probe into MV Barima disaster

July 20 2026

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has described the capsizing of the MV Barima as “a tragedy of immense proportions,” as the nation continues to mourn those lost and await news on persons still missing.

In an address to the nation on Monday, President Ali said the disaster has “pierced the heart of our nation,” leaving Guyanese united in grief, anxiety and sorrow.

“My fellow Guyanese,

Our nation has been plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions. The capsizing of the M.V. Barima has pierced the heart of our nation, leaving us united in grief, anxiety and sorrow,” the President said.

He said families and communities across the country are mourning as they wait for updates on their loved ones.

“Families wait in expectation and anguish for news of loved ones. Communities are mourning. Across Guyana, our hearts are heavy as we confront one of the most painful moments in our history.”

President Ali said he visited survivors, families and relatives of some of those still missing in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, as well as patients hospitalised at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital.

“It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need at this time,” he said.

The President said the immediate priority remains saving lives, supporting survivors, comforting grieving families and accounting for all persons who remain unaccounted for.

“Our priority remains to protect every life that can still be saved; to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss; to comfort grieving families; and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for. Every minute matters, every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission.”

He praised the efforts of rescue teams, including members of the Joint Services, emergency responders, volunteers, fishermen, community members, religious leaders, members of Parliament, the private sector, civil society and international partners.

“I commend the bravery, selflessness and courage of every individual involved in these operations, led by our Prime Minister, together with members of our Cabinet, the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, fishermen, community members, religious leaders, members of Parliament, the private sector, civil society and international partners. Their actions have reflected the very best of Guyana.”

President Ali said the response has been a “truly national effort” during a time of profound national anguish.

“This has been a truly national effort in a time of profound national anguish. It is a powerful reminder that when adversity strikes, the people of Guyana stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared humanity.”

He assured the public that all available resources are being deployed and that the rescue and recovery operation will continue.

“I also assure the nation that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation into this tragedy,” President Ali said.

“The families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers. They deserve to know precisely what transpired and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event. We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability.”

However, the President urged citizens to avoid speculation and politicising the tragedy while recovery efforts remain underway.

“But now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicize a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many. There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgment.”

He called on Guyanese to remain united and continue supporting victims, survivors, families and rescue personnel.

“We owe it to every passenger aboard the M.V. Barima, those who have been rescued, those who have been lost, and those who remain unaccounted for, to come together in unity, solidarity and purpose as we undertake the mammoth task that still lies before us.”

President Ali also announced that a national mourning period would be outlined in the coming days.

“In the coming hours and days, it is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. There are going to be long days ahead of us, difficult days from this tragedy but we must come together in love, unity, faith, patience and reverence to the families and communities most affected. In the coming hours, I will announce the form of mourning our nation will take.”

The MV Barima capsized while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, triggering a large-scale search, rescue and recovery operation involving local and international teams.

President Ali ended his address by asking Guyanese to keep victims, survivors, families and rescuers in their thoughts and prayers.

“May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrific experience.

God bless all of you, especially the families of all those who were aboard the MV Barima.”