Twenty-three of the 26 survivors of the MV Barima tragedy, along with the families of 27 deceased victims, have received psychosocial support, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security said.

Social workers said in a Facebook briefing that teams have been on the ground since July 19, providing psychosocial first aid, grief and bereavement counselling, as well as family and individual support to the public. The ministry has employed its Rapid Response Psychosocial Assessment Tool, which has been effective in evaluating the specific needs of victims, the social workers said.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud said support teams have been working continuously since last Sunday, with social workers deployed across Regions One and Two to provide in-person counselling through home visits and community outreach.

She said the grief has spread well beyond those directly affected, noting that toll-free counselling hotlines and therapy hubs have now been established to reach even more people in need.

"There is a lot of grief, a lot of anger, a lot of emotions, a lot of devastation. This is not easy," Persaud said.
The minister said the hotlines, including 592-713-3100, operate daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm and accept both phone calls and text messages. She encouraged members of the public to visit the ministry's social media pages for the locations of counselling centres.

"If you want help or you need support, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Once you make that initial contact with us, we will continue to keep engaged and in contact with you," Persaud said.

Persaud stressed that the services are not limited to survivors and bereaved families but are open to anyone struggling with the emotional impact of the tragedy.

"This is not only for families and survivors directly affected by the MV Barima tragedy. This is for anyone who needs comfort and support," she said.

In addition to emotional support, the ministry is helping affected families access medication, hospital visits and other essential services, while maintaining regular contact with those seeking assistance.

Persaud also announced plans to introduce online counselling services involving psychologists, psychiatrists, grief therapists and trauma specialists, including professionals from international organisations and the Guyanese diaspora.

The expanded response is being coordinated by the Ministries of Human Services, Health and Education, with trained social workers and psychologists providing trauma and grief counselling on the ground.

Describing the tragedy as one that has shaken the entire nation, Persaud urged citizens to support one another with kindness and compassion while remembering the victims, survivors and their families in prayer.