Three days of national mourning in Guyana for perished MV Barima passengers, crew

What this source establishes

Demerara Waves records President Ali's proclamation of national mourning from 22 to 24 July and the ceremonial programme: flags at half-mast, the Kingston Seawall day of prayer, the Mabaruma night of reflection for the North-West District, and encouragement of candlelight vigils from Tuesday night. It carries Edghill's explanation to Demerara Waves that 10 people found overnight Monday were later removed from the count after verification with relatives established they had been rescued and gone home, showing how counts were being revised. Janette Bulkan's 26 July Kaieteur News letter asserts that no days of national mourning had been announced, contradicting this report.

Figures cited in this source

41 bodies recovered, 77 rescued as of 2 p.m. Tuesday; 179 aboard including 18 crew

Key claims

• President Irfaan Ali proclaimed three days of national mourning from Wednesday July 22 to Friday July 24, 2026.
• Ali said the sinking almost 10 nautical miles off the Essequibo Coast 'has brought profound and widespread sorrow and immeasurable grief throughout our nation.'
• As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, 41 bodies had been recovered and 77 persons rescued.
• Government estimates 179 persons including 18 crew members were aboard the 87-year-old vessel.
• Public works minister Juan Edghill told Demerara Waves that 10 additional persons were found overnight Monday, but verification with relatives confirmed those loved ones had been rescued and made their way home.
• The national flag would be flown at half-mast on government buildings and public institutions.
• A national day of prayer, reflection and remembrance was set for Wednesday at the Kingston Seawall, Georgetown.
• A night of reflection and prayer for the wider North-West District would be held in Mabaruma on Friday.
• The president encouraged candlelight vigils by the religious community and civic organisations, beginning Tuesday night.

Quotations

• “has brought profound and widespread sorrow and immeasurable grief throughout our nation”— Irfaan Ali, President
• “At this time of deep national sadness...we pause to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives, to stand with their families, to offer comfort to survivors”— Irfaan Ali, President

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