Having completed their week long conference in Georgetown, the National Toshaos Council today called on the Government of Guyana to leave no stone unturned in conducting a comprehensive, transparent, and independent review of every aspect of the MV Barima ferry tragedy.

In a statement, the indigenous leaders said the review must examine not only the immediate circumstances surrounding the tragedy, but also the broader systems, policies, regulatory frameworks, operational procedures, and safety protocols governing maritime transportation to ensure that lessons are learned and meaningful reforms are implemented to prevent such a catastrophe from ever occurring again.

The Council also urged that every necessary measure be taken to provide comprehensive support to the affected families and survivors, which should extend beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and include sustained long-term assistance, including psychosocial care, financial and social support where appropriate, educational assistance for affected children, and any other interventions necessary to help families and survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.

The Toshaos reaffirmed their commitment to standing with the affected families in their time of grief, and encourage all Guyanese to continue demonstrating compassion, unity, and solidarity as the nation mourns.

Many of those who lost their lives in the ferry tragedy were from the indigenous communities in Region One. There continues to be calls for a full probe of the deadly incident. The Government has promised that there will be a Commission of Inquiry.

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