President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the MV Barima tragedy is expected to commence actual work in September, while the government continues preparations to salvage the sunken vessel and provide long-term support to affected families.
Ali said the CoI team is already in place and is expected to begin its substantive work next month.
On the salvage operation, the President said the government closed the process on Friday and has shortlisted a number of companies based on established criteria. The shortlisted companies will now be invited to submit proposals for the operation.
He said 10 or more companies participated in the process, but he could not say how many of those shortlisted are local or international.
Turning to support for those affected by the tragedy, Ali said the government’s priority remains maintaining close contact with the families of those who died, those whose relatives remain missing and persons who worked aboard the MV Barima.
He said the HEART initiative is intended to become a long-term, multi-stakeholder support mechanism, extending beyond immediate assistance to affected families.
According to Ali, the initiative will provide support in areas including mental health, counselling and spiritual care, while also providing assistance to children affected by the tragedy.
He said consideration is also being given to establishing a special home for children affected by the incident, alongside medium- and long-term material and financial support.
Ali said the Ministries of Human Services and Health have been working closely with affected families and conducting outreach as part of the broader response.
