See statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs:
The Ministry of Home Affairs extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragic sinking of the ferry. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this heartbreaking event.
The Ministry wishes to assure the public that the Guyana Police Force is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. We encourage anyone with firsthand information, photographs, videos, or any other evidence that may assist investigators to come forward and provide that material directly to the Guyana Police Force. The cooperation of the public is vital to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and that all relevant facts are established.
The Ministry is, however, deeply concerned by the circulation on social media of old, fabricated, and unrelated videos and photographs that are being falsely linked to this incident.
The deliberate spread of misinformation at a time of national grief is not only insensitive and deeply hurtful to the families who are mourning, but also has the potential to impede ongoing investigations, create unnecessary fear, and mislead the public.
Let it be clear: anyone who knowingly creates, shares, or republishes false or misleading content purporting to depict or relate to this tragedy may be committing offences under the laws of Guyana. Such acts of public mischief and any other applicable offences will be investigated, and where the evidence supports it, those responsible will face the full force of the law.
The Ministry therefore urges all citizens to act responsibly, verify information before sharing it, and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference.
This is a time for compassion, truth, and national solidarity. We ask that everyone respect the dignity of the victims and their families and refrain from contributing to the spread of false information.
