– as President meets victims’ relatives
Nearly two weeks after the deadly MV Barima disaster claimed the lives of scores of passengers, a Wakenaam mother who lost both her 11-year-old son and teenage brother says no amount of assistance can ease her grief as families continue to wait for answers and accountability.
Louvicia Poon, 30, told Kiskadee Watch yesterday that she remained at State House hours after a meeting with President Irfaan Ali, hoping to hear what further support and assurances would be offered to families devastated by the tragedy.
“I am sitting here waiting to hear what satisfaction they have to offer us,” Poon stated. She lost her son, Ronaldo and her 17-year-old brother, Christian Rodrigues, when the MV Barima capsized while travelling to Port Kaituma.
She explained that Christian had travelled to Georgetown to purchase supplies before returning to the North West District, after which he loaded his items on to the vessel. She decided to send Ronaldo with him so the child could spend time with relatives in Port Kaituma, where she said she is originally from.
Ronaldo, a pupil of San Souci Primary School in Wakenaam, was one of her four children, and Poon shared that following his death, she is now left raising her three daughters, including an 11-month-old baby. “I am taking on the tragedy so bad,” she said.
Poon said her children’s uncle recently died after suffering from high blood pressure, and relatives believe the emotional strain caused by the disaster contributed to his death.
She added that, having previously lived in the North West District, she personally knew many of the passengers who died in the sinking.
On Tuesday, Poon said she received $350,000 from the Government to assist with funeral expenses, but said the payment offered little comfort. “I had to accept what I got. I can’t really understand this government,” she said.
She also expressed frustration over the lengthy wait to meet individually with the President after yesterday’s meeting with affected families. “I am in town today after they called us for a meeting. I live so far and up to now, about 3 p.m., I still sit down waiting after coming to State House since before 8 a.m. I am living far and I have an 11-month-old baby,” she lamented.
The MV Barima capsized late on the night of July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma after issuing a distress call near the mouth of the Pomeroon River. The disaster triggered Guyana’s largest maritime search and recovery operation, involving the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Coast Guard, private vessels and assistance from regional partners. The tragedy claimed 73 lives, while 76 people were rescued.
President Ali has announced a Commission of Inquiry comprising experts in law, marine engineering, maritime safety and disaster investigation. The Commission has been tasked with determining whether negligence, misconduct or institutional failures contributed to the tragedy and recommending measures to improve maritime safety and ensure accountability.
The Government has also provided financial assistance to affected families to help cover funeral expenses and other immediate needs.
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