Belizean expert to recommend financial assistance for persons affected by MV Barima Tragedy

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has asked Belize’s Eamon Harrison Courtenay to recommend financial assistance for the survivors and bereaved families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. “I also wish to announce that I have asked Mr Eamon Harrison Courtenay of Belize to assist in working out the modalities relating to financial assistance for the survivors and the victims’ families,” President Ali said in a video shared on Monday on his Facebook page. Mr Courtenay served as Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2020 to 2023. He also served as the country’s Attorney General. President Ali said Mr. Courtenay brings to this process a wealth of experience as a practitioner of law and as a former government minister. However, the President has clarified that this financial assistance is not meant to serve as compensation for the families. Previously, the President said the affected persons would receive the government’s full support. Funeral expenses have been covered and families are receiving care packages and psychosocial support. Aside from the financial assistance, the President said a new HEART initiative has been crafted to help families heal. “These measures embody a commitment that every survivor will be supported, every bereaved family will be treated with dignity. It is in that spirit that I ask every Guyanese to stand together as one people,” he said.