Financial and other critical support will be provided to survivors and families of those who lost loved ones in the MV Barima boat accident, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Sunday, unveiling the H.E.A.R.T Initiative, a long-term action plan to address the needs of those affected by the tragedy.
The President said the initiative will ensure support extends well beyond the immediate period of grief, providing those affected with the emotional and financial assistance they need as they continue to cope with their loss.
On financial support, Ali said he has engaged prominent Belizean attorney and former minister Eamon Courtenay to establish a mechanism to provide relief, though he stressed this assistance does not constitute compensation for the tragedy.
“I wish to make it clear, this assistance does not constitute compensation for survivors and bereaved family,” he said.
To ensure that material, moral and spiritual support is sustained, Ali said he is establishing a national body to coordinate, mobilise and foster the process of healing.
“I am establishing a national body to coordinate, mobilise and foster this necessary [work] of healing, it shall be known as the H.E.A.R.T Initiative,” he said.
The President explained that the initiative represents Hope for the grieving, Empathy for the broken, Aid for the hurting, Resilience for the journey ahead, and Trust that those affected will never be forgotten.
He said the measures reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring all those affected are supported and treated with dignity. The initiative will be administered by trusted members of the religious community and civil society, and will be led by Reverend Dr Carl Stuart.
