THE HEART Initiative has extended its thanks to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, owner Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, and the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League for a $25 million donation toward relief efforts for those affected by last month’s MV Barima tragedy.

The cheque was presented by Global Super League Chairman Sir Clive Lloyd to HEART Initiative representatives, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Rev Dr Kwame Gilbert, Lt Col Dominic Shepherd, Misha Goodchild, and Pandit Roopnarine Persaud, moments before the toss of the League’s final between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the San Francisco Unicorns at Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Saturday.

Guyana Amazon Warriors captain Imran Tahir, along with Warriors Women players Latoya Williams and Tilleya Madramootoo, witnessed the presentation pitchside.

The donation fulfils a commitment the franchise made days before the final, pledging the match’s proceeds to support victims of the sinking of the MV Barima, which capsized on July 18 en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.

The disaster, described as the deadliest of its kind in Guyana’s history, saw 73 deaths recorded so far and 76 people rescued, with 30 still unaccounted for out of an estimated 179 passengers and crew.

HEART, an acronym for Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust, said the funds will go toward financial support for affected families and survivors, psychosocial and trauma counselling, social services, and spiritual and community support.