THE July 18 sinking of the MV Barima has prompted President Dr Irfaan Ali to declare three days of national mourning.
The proclamation honours the victims of the MV Barima tragedy, which unfolded when the passenger and cargo ferry carrying approximately 179 people capsized off Guyana’s Atlantic coast.
At the time, the ferry capsized was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini).
The tragedy has claimed dozens of lives, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing as authorities work to account for everyone who was on board.
In a proclamation issued on Tuesday, President Ali declared that Wednesday through Friday will be observed as Days of National Mourning throughout Guyana.
The Head of State said the tragic loss of life has brought “profound and widespread sorrow and immeasurable grief throughout our nation.”
The President said the nation was pausing “to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives, to stand with their families, to offer comfort to survivors, and to demonstrate our collective compassion and solidarity.”
He then proclaimed that “Wednesday 22nd July, Thursday 23rd July, and Friday 24th July 2026 shall be observed as Three Days of National Mourning throughout Guyana in honour of the victims of the M.V. Barima tragedy.”
As part of the observance, all national flags will be flown at Half-Staff on government buildings, public institutions and other appropriate locations across the country as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives.
Wednesday, July 22, has also been declared a National Day of Prayer. Guyanese of all faiths and communities are being called upon to unite in prayer, reflection and remembrance for the victims, support for grieving families and survivors, and the healing of the nation.
A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, where religious leaders, relatives of victims, survivors, community representatives and citizens from across the country are expected to gather in a spirit of prayer, reflection and solidarity.
The proclamation also sets aside Thursday, July 23, as a Night of Reflection and Prayer in Port Kaituma.
Residents of Port Kaituma and neighbouring communities are being invited to come together to remember those who perished, comfort one another and offer prayers for everyone affected by the disaster.
On Friday, July 24, a similar Night of Reflection and Prayer will be held in Mabaruma, bringing together residents from across the North West District to mourn the victims and stand in solidarity with survivors and bereaved families.
In addition, President Ali has encouraged churches, mosques, temples and other places of worship, along with civic organisations and citizens throughout Guyana, to host candlelight vigils during the period of national mourning as symbols of remembrance, unity and hope.
He further urged religious communities across the country to begin holding candlelight vigils and moments of prayer from Tuesday evening in memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations remain ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate those still missing.
The tragedy has united the nation in grief, with government, religious organisations, community groups and ordinary citizens rallying in support of the victims’ families and survivors.
