THE victims of the MV Barima tragedy were remembered and survivors honoured during an Interfaith National Prayer Service held as Guyana continues to grapple with the loss of lives following the ferry’s capsizing off the country’s coast.
The service, hosted by the Government of Guyana days after the vessel made its final voyage and overturned, brought together representatives of various faiths and members of the public in prayer and reflection for those who died, those who survived and families still awaiting news of loved ones.
Delivering the feature address, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said the tragedy had brought “unfathomable sorrow” to families, communities and people across Guyana and abroad.
He acknowledged that while lives had been lost, some families continued to wait anxiously for information about relatives, while survivors were left to cope with memories of an ordeal that few others could fully understand.
“Grief can often leave us feeling powerless, but faith reminds us that we still have duties to each other,” Phillips said, urging citizens to support one another through listening, offering comfort and providing practical assistance.

Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Prime Minister said, “I offer my deepest sympathy on behalf of myself, my own family, our dear President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and the Government and people of Guyana.”
He acknowledged that no words could remove the pain carried by those who had lost loved ones but assured them that the nation would stand beside them.
“Therefore, we can only stand beside you, pray with you, and assure you that you will not face the days ahead alone,” he said.
Phillips said the nation remembered the people who boarded the MV Barima expecting to arrive safely at their destination in Port Kaituma.
The victims, he said, were parents, children, relatives and friends, each with their own stories and connections that would continue to be felt in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
“We pray that Almighty God will grant comfort to those who mourn. We ask Him to strengthen the injured and the survivors. We also pray for those still awaiting word of relatives, for whom each passing hour carries fear and uncertainty,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the ongoing rescue and recovery operations, which he described as its primary focus.
He commended the local teams working under extremely difficult conditions, including members of the public, the disciplinary services, medical personnel, divers, fishermen and other volunteers who responded with courage and compassion.
Private companies that provided vessels, equipment and technical assistance were also recognised for their contribution to the ongoing efforts.
Phillips further expressed Guyana’s gratitude to the international community for its support, specifically acknowledging the specialist team from French Guiana and the French Armed Forces, as well as assistance from Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and other neighbouring countries.
He also praised citizens who provided food, transportation, accommodation and other forms of assistance to affected families.
“Some have sat beside grieving relatives or joined them in prayer. Such acts may appear small in the face of great loss, but they carry tremendous meaning,” the Prime Minister said.
The national prayer service came as the country continued to mourn the MV Barima victims, support survivors and await further developments in the ongoing search, rescue and recovery efforts.