President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has appealed to all Guyanese, including media entities, political leaders and other stakeholders, to ensure that their use of social media is guided by ethical and moral responsibility, particularly as survivors, affected families and the wider nation continue to grapple with the psychological aftermath of the MV Barima tragedy.
Addressing the concern during his press conference on Tuesday, President Ali described misinformation as a calculated effort by individuals or entities to achieve a particular outcome.
According to the President, the most effective way to combat misinformation is through fact-based analysis, a clear understanding of the facts, and reliance on credible and trusted sources.
He said, “It is very unfortunate that we can misuse social media in such a way, even in a tragedy.
The types of photographs that were shared – it’s just unthinkable, but I think in Guyana there is a view that there are no rules when it comes to social media and you can post whatever you want.”
President Ali further stressed the importance of utilising the legal system to address misinformation and help restore a greater level of responsibility and accountability.
Furthermore, in reiterating his call for Guyanese to exercise greater ethical and moral responsibility in their use of social media, President Ali referenced the United Kingdom (UK), where stringent and far-reaching legislation governs the use of social media platforms.
The President also shared that the issue is being examined comprehensively at the regional level, while Guyana is also considering legislative amendments aimed at addressing similar concerns.
President Ali’s appeal comes against the backdrop of similar concerns raised by Senior Clinical Psychologist and Head of Psychological Services at the Mental Health Unit, Dr Mark Constantine, who, in a recent interview with The El Dorado Beacon, warned that misinformation surrounding the MV Barima tragedy could further compound the trauma and grief experienced by survivors and affected families.
Dr Constantine urged greater empathy and sensitivity, noting that false or inaccurate claims surrounding the tragedy and the support being provided could trigger emotional distress and undermine the healing and recovery process.
He also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating or engaging with misinformation, while urging that compassion, responsible communication and credible information guide the national response.
According to the Senior Clinical Psychologist, “This is a time when, as Guyanese and as human beings, we need to have empathy for our brothers and sisters who are going through this difficult period.
It is sad to see that the mischief-makers are saying that there is no support and that no one is reaching out to the survivors, the families and all those affected, and that is totally untrue.
The facts are there, but some wicked characters are just bent on using some of these innocent people to push their dishonest and false narrative, and that is unacceptable.”
