President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has assured there will be a full and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the capsizing of the MV Barima over the weekend as he described the incident as “one of the most painful moments” in Guyana’s history.

In a national address on Monday, Ali said Guyana had been “plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions” as search and rescue operations continued for passengers still missing after the ferry capsized en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.

“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,” Ali said.

He pledged that the investigation would be conducted with “transparency, impartiality and accountability.”

Records show there were officially 116 passengers onboard along with 17 crew and 268 tonnes of cargo. 

But this number has proven to be incorrect as Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill noted there may have been more people on board as some of the 67 people rescued thus far were not on the official manifest.

Ten people have so far been confirmed dead.

Ali assured Guyanese that every available resource would continue to be deployed until all possible rescue and recovery efforts had been exhausted.

The president also announced that a comprehensive investigation would be launched into the disaster once the emergency response concludes.

Ali urged the public to avoid speculation or politicising the tragedy while rescue operations continue.

“Now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicise a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many,” he said.

Ali said he had visited survivors and the families of those still missing in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, as well as patients receiving treatment at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital.

“It was a deeply emotional experience,” he said. “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.”

The president said the government’s immediate priority remains rescuing those who can still be saved, supporting survivors and their families, and accounting for everyone who remains missing.

“Every minute matters. Every life matters. Every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission,” he said.

Ali praised members of the Joint Services, emergency responders, volunteers, fishermen, community members, civil society groups and international partners involved in the rescue effort, describing the response as “a truly national effort in a time of profound national anguish.”

The president also called on Guyanese to remain united, support affected families and keep the victims, survivors and rescue workers in their prayers.

The search and rescue operation is set to continue in the coming days. 

These efforts have been boosted as teams from neighbouring territories including Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana.