More than $75 million in financial assistance has been provided to families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, as the government continues its coordinated recovery and support efforts through the H.E.A.R.T. Initiative.

Since its official launch back in July, the initiative has coordinated assistance for more than 750 affected persons across Regions One through Ten, providing support ranging from funeral and memorial expenses to housing, education, legal and psychosocial services.

According to a release from the secretariat, the initiative which is being led by Lead Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepherd, has garnered more than $75 million in financial and material assistance helping families with funeral, memorial and wake-related expenses.