GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali on Monday announced the establishment of a national body to coordinate, mobilise and foster the necessary work of healing following the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, which has resulted in over 70 deaths while dozens remain missing.

Ali, in a broadcast, said that the national body shall be known as the HEART Initiative for hope, empathy, aid, resilience, and trust.

“Hope for the grieving. Empathy for the broken. Aid for the hurting. Resilience for the journey ahead. Trust that it will never be forgotten,” Ali said, adding that this initiative will be overseen by trusted and respected religious and civil society people drawn from across Ghana.