Government response to MV Barima tragedy guided by transparency, compassion

What this source establishes

A DPI release in which the state answers charges of insensitivity. It quotes the Prime Minister saying 'If there are people out there who feel that we come across as arrogant, they are entitled to their opinion.' In its closing lines it states on the government's own channel that the captain and mate tested positive for marijuana and that vessel management has been suspended pending investigation. The release pairs an assertion of transparency with an appeal to citizens to stop circulating imagery.

Official statement recorded in this source

Government response has been grounded in "compassion, transparency and unwavering support for affected families"; "If there are people out there who feel that we come across as arrogant, they are entitled to their opinion."

Key claims

• Government states its response has been grounded in "compassion, transparency and unwavering support for affected families."
• PM Phillips: "We have utilised all means and all the resources of government to reach out to families."
• PM Phillips: "If there are people out there who feel that we come across as arrogant, they are entitled to their opinion."
• Government provided transportation, lodging, meals, clothing, financial assistance, and mental health support.
• Relatives were transported to Region Two to assist with victim identification.
• Vessel captain and crew underwent drug testing; the captain and mate tested positive for marijuana.
• Vessel management has been suspended pending investigation completion.
• The prime minister urged citizens to refrain from distributing graphic victim imagery on social media.

Quotations

• “We have utilised all means and all the resources of government to reach out to families.”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister
• “If there are people out there who feel that we come across as arrogant, they are entitled to their opinion.”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister

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