Matara French Speaks Out
Point Cumana resident Matara French, who is related to several of the deceased, described the emotional devastation experienced by families and residents.
French said the entire community remains traumatised, hurt and upset by the tragedy.
For many residents, the recovery of their loved ones marks the end of an agonising search, but not the end of their struggle for answers.
Disappointment Over Faris Al-Rawi's Statements
French also expressed disappointment over public statements made by Senior Counsel Faris Al-Rawi, who is representing persons connected to the other vessel involved in the incident.
"Everybody disappointed with what he said because at the end of the day he had to remember it have survivors," French stated.
She stressed that survivors witnessed what occurred, including who was operating the vessel and the circumstances that led to the collision.
Her comments come amid conflicting public accounts surrounding the tragedy.
Al-Rawi has publicly rejected allegations that a 12- or 13-year-old boy was operating the vessel associated with his clients, describing those claims as absolutely untrue.
However, the competing accounts have not been independently resolved, and responsibility for the collision remains a matter for investigators to establish.
From Candlelight Prayers to Public Protest
French recalled how residents previously united in prayer, lighting candles and small flambeaux as they hoped for the recovery of everyone who remained missing.
That gathering reflected the community's solidarity during one of its most painful experiences.
Now, residents intend to channel that same unity into demonstrations demanding justice.
French indicated that the community would continue protesting until justice is achieved, even if that means demonstrating every day.
The planned action signals growing frustration among residents who believe recovering their loved ones is only one part of a much larger struggle.
Community Demands Answers and Accountability
The announcement comes as public attention remains focused on the investigation, the accounts of survivors and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Al-Rawi was scheduled to address the media at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, as questions continued to surround the incident.
For the families and residents of Point Cumana, the message is clear: the search may be over, but their demand for justice is far from finished.
The community says it is prepared to stand together, just as it did during the recovery efforts, until the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are fully established and those responsible, if any, are held accountable.
TG News will continue monitoring developments.