–75 social workers, counsellors and psychologists are supporting affected families, while Government seeks additional help from international agencies
The Government is expanding psychosocial support for survivors and families affected by the MV Barima tragedy with the introduction of an online counselling platform that will connect those in need with mental health professionals in Guyana and abroad.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud, speaking on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday, said the platform, EMBRACE, is expected to be launched this week as part of the Ministry’s effort to provide longer-term support following the conclusion of the search and recovery operation.
Persaud said the platform is being developed because the psychological impact of the disaster is expected to extend well beyond the immediate aftermath.
“This is a long-term approach. This is not something that we will stop,” she said, stressing that people will need support as they work through different stages of grief.
The first component of EMBRACE will be the Ministry’s National Counseling Platform, with services initially being offered to people affected by the MV Barima tragedy.
Persaud said the initiative will allow professionals from Guyana, including volunteers, as well as members of the Guyanese diaspora, to provide assistance beyond the capacity of the Ministry’s existing teams.
She said the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and the University of Guyana’s Social Work Department have already contributed to the Government’s response, while the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has also provided specialist support.
Under the online system, persons seeking assistance will be able to request appointments and view available professionals and their areas of specialty before selecting a counsellor.
Persaud said the service will provide confidential counselling through either voice calls or audiovisual sessions.
“We are going to put them all together. It’s going to be a system where people can request a time,” she explained.
She said the platform has already undergone testing, with the final product expected to be made available to the public this week.
The online service will complement the face-to-face support already being provided across the country.
Persaud said 75 officers, including social workers, counsellors and psychologists, have been deployed in affected regions to engage families, survivors, children and others impacted by the disaster.
Counselling hubs have also been established in the affected regions at Ministry of Human Services locations, including Hope and Justice Centres and other Ministry offices.
Counsellors are providing support at those locations while also visiting communities and families.
Persaud said some people will require referrals for longer-term psychological care, with social workers accompanying them to the mental health unit and helping them remain engaged with treatment.
She said the need is particularly acute among families who suffered multiple losses, including a father who lost his wife and children and a mother who lost all of her children.
Persaud said dedicated support has been assigned to at least one of those severely affected individuals, underscoring the need for sustained assistance rather than one-off counselling sessions.
The minister said the Government is also seeking assistance from international organisations, including the United Nations and the International Red Cross, to strengthen the support available to affected families.
“We’re here with you today, every day, and for as long as you need us,” Persaud said, assuring survivors and families that support would remain available even after the formal search and recovery operation has ended.
