Guyana has entered a period of national mourning after President Dr. Irfaan Ali declared three days of mourning to honor the victims of the MV Barima ferry disaster, one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in the country’s history.
In a national address, President Ali said the nation was united in grief as families continued to mourn loved ones lost in the sinking of the ferry, which capsized while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. He announced that the Golden Arrowhead would be flown at half-mast on all public buildings from July 23 to July 25, while entertainment activities at state events would be suspended as a mark of respect.
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Describing the tragedy as a heartbreaking national loss, President Ali extended condolences to the bereaved families and praised the courage of emergency responders, volunteers and ordinary citizens who participated in the massive search-and-rescue effort.
“We mourn together as one people, and we stand in solidarity with every family affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” the President said.
The government also announced plans for a National Interfaith Prayer Service at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, where citizens of all faiths will gather to remember the victims, pray for grieving families and recognize the efforts of rescue personnel.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations have continued as authorities work to account for all those believed to have been on board. Investigators are also examining discrepancies between the ferry’s official passenger manifest and the actual number of passengers, after officials acknowledged the vessel may have been carrying significantly more people than originally recorded.
The government has pledged a full, independent investigation into the disaster to determine what caused the MV Barimato capsize and whether negligence or safety violations contributed to the loss of life. Officials have promised that anyone found responsible will be held accountable.
The ferry tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across the Caribbean, with regional governments and organizations expressing condolences and offering support to Guyana during this period of national mourning. As the country grieves, President Ali urged citizens to remain united and to continue supporting the families whose lives have been forever changed by the disaster.
