Days after President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the establishment of the Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust (HEART) initiative to provide sustained support to the survivors and bereaved families of the MV Barima tragedy, a team has been assembled to draft a national framework.

The HEART Initiative is intended to help families through the process of healing by bringing together humanitarian assistance, psychosocial and trauma counselling, social services, spiritual guidance, and other forms of support for those affected.

Importantly, this assistance is not intended as compensation but as an expression of the nation’s enduring commitment to stand beside survivors and bereaved families for as long as necessary.