–White Water Village praises Lance Corporal Job Thom’s courage and selflessness

Lance Corporal Job Thom of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is being hailed as a hero after reportedly rescuing 11 people during the sinking of the MV Barima, an act of bravery that has earned him widespread praise from his home community of White Water Village in Region One.

The MV Barima capsized late Saturday night while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma after issuing a distress signal off the Pomeroon coast. The tragedy has left two people confirmed dead, several others missing, and prompted an ongoing search and rescue operation involving the Guyana Coast Guard, the Guyana Defence Force, private marine operators and volunteers.

In a statement on its official Facebook page, the White Water Village Council commended Thom for his courage, saying he placed the lives of others before his own as chaos unfolded in the water.

According to the village, Thom was among the passengers aboard the vessel when it sank. Despite the dangerous conditions, he immediately began rescuing people who were struggling to stay afloat.

The village said Thom recalled seeing passengers disappearing beneath the water and, without hesitation, pulling them to safety one after another.

By his own account, he rescued 11 people, including a man nearly twice his size.

“His courage, strength and determination gave those individuals another chance at life,” the statement said.

The Village Council expressed gratitude that Thom survived the ordeal and said his actions embodied the values of courage, compassion and selflessness.

“Lance Corporal Thom has made White Water proud. His actions remind us of the values we hold dear: courage, compassion, and putting others before ourselves,” the statement read.

The council also thanked the GDF rank for his bravery and prayed for his continued safety and success.

“Job Thom is our hero—a brave, young and strong son of White Water. We are proud of you,” the Council said.