THE Government of Guyana will host an Interfaith National Prayer Service on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. on the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, in remembrance of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy.
The service comes as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the vessel’s sinking last Saturday night. the ferry capsized roughly seven miles off the Essequibo Coast while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
The government estimates that 179 persons, including 18 crew members, were aboard the vessel when it went down. As of Tuesday evening, 53 bodies had been recovered and 76 people rescued, with search and recovery operations still ongoing.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning, to be observed from Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 24, 2026, with the national flag flown at half-mast on government buildings across the country.
Wednesday’s National Day of Prayer at Kingston Seawall will be followed by a Night of Reflection and Prayer in Port Kaituma on Thursday, and a further observance in Mabaruma on Friday.
Suggested attire for Wednesday’s service is white. Organisers are encouraging citizens of all faiths to attend under the theme “Together We Pray, Together We Hope, Together We Rise,” as the country unites in solidarity with the families still awaiting word on missing loved ones.
The president has also encouraged candlelight vigils by churches, mosques, temples and other places of worship, along with civic organisations, to begin as early as Tuesday evening.
Search and rescue efforts, supported by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, local fisherfolk, and international teams including divers from the French Armed Forces, continue as authorities work to account for all those who were aboard.