Indigenous Leaders Honor Victims Of M.V Barima Tragedy At National Toshao's Council Conference

What this source establishes

HGP TV reports that the 2026 National Toshaos Council Conference closed on Friday 24 July at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre with Indigenous leaders pausing deliberations to pray for and pay tribute to victims of the MV Barima disaster. The week-long gathering had been delayed by the capsizing of the 87-year-old state-operated ferry. Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek offered condolences and said she hoped multi-agency investigations would deliver full clarity. Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed told the assembly not to let anyone silence their voices, while village leaders pressed for economic assistance, educational aid for affected children and relief for orphans and bereaved families.

Key claims

• The 2026 National Toshaos Council Conference (NTCC) concluded on Friday on a somber note at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, as Indigenous leaders paused deliberations to offer prayers and pay tribute to victims of the M.V. Barima ferry disaster.
• The week-long gathering was initially delayed following the capsizing of the 87-year-old state-operated vessel off the Essequibo Coast.
• Village leaders, government ministers and parliamentary representatives united in grief and solidarity for affected hinterland communities.
• During Friday's morning session, emotional prayers were offered by village leaders seeking spiritual strength and comfort for grieving families.
• Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, delivering her inaugural address to the conference, expressed deep condolences and voiced hope that ongoing multi-agency investigations will provide full clarity.
• Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed urged Indigenous leaders to stand firm in demanding transparency from the government.
• Several village leaders shared personal grief and highlighted practical support required for victims' families, including calls for long-term economic assistance, educational aid for affected children, and sustained relief plans for orphans and bereaved families.

Quotations

• “I can understand what the parents are saying and how they are feeling”— Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister of Amerindian Affairs
• “I pray that we find the strength in these most trying times as we await the outcome of the investigations to determine what went wrong”— Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister of Amerindian Affairs
• “Do not allow anyone to silence your voices”— Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition

Actors named

• National Toshaos Council (NTC), representative body of Guyana's Indigenous village leaders
• Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister of Amerindian Affairs
• Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition
• Arthur Chung Conference Centre, conference venue

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