25 couples in Baramita, NWD solemnise their marriages after being together for over 25 years

The union of 25 couples from Baramita, North West District (NWD) in Region One (Barima-Waini) was legalised between September 27 and 30, 2023 in a significant and heartwarming event undertaken by the General Register Office, led by its Deputy Registrar General, Visham Budhoo.
During registration outreaches, it was found that within the area of Baramita — mainly Cassie Creek, Aranka and Warapa — there were several couples who had been together for over 25 years without being legally married.
For a number of couples in these close-knit communities, the concept of legality in their relationships had remained elusive for an extended period. What made this event particularly distressing was the circumstances which had hindered these unions from obtaining legal recognition.
Among the most prevalent barriers was the absence of basic documentation such as birth certificates or National Identification Cards. These barriers, predominantly rooted in language constraints and distance, obstructed access to fundamental documentation, preventing these ardent couples from legalising their commitment and receiving the recognition they deserved.

The General Register Office, in a laudable collaboration with community leaders and local churches, embarked on an endeavour to address these barriers. Working diligently within the community, efforts were made to assist individuals to obtain the vital documentation needed to formalise their unions. It was a collective effort that ultimately led to the facilitation of these long-awaited marriages.
The culmination of these efforts saw not only the exchange of vows, but the issuance of long-awaited marriage certificates, a tangible symbol of their enduring commitment. It was a testament to perseverance, unity, and the power of a community coming together to support and uplift its members.
The Home Affairs Ministry, through the General Register Office, stands as a beacon of hope and support, affirming that every individual deserves the right to have their love recognized and their unions validated, regardless of administrative hurdles. These efforts can serve as a model for other regions and communities facing similar issues, demonstrating how local authorities and community leaders can work together to support individuals and families in overcoming documentation challenges and ensuring that their unions are solemnised.
In the end, the smiles, tears of joy, and palpable sense of relief among the newlyweds reflected a long-awaited culmination of love finally bound by legality, a celebration of commitment. It also brings about a new sense of stability in the communities.
The General Register Office remains committed to ensuring this vital function is not only accessible to all Guyanese, but the process of registering for a marriage licence, and the issuing of a marriage certificate, is simple and in keeping with the laws of Guyana.
In efforts to ensure there are more trained marriage officers, we have also, over the past three months, facilitated the training of over 60 marriage officers across the region, as well as providing training and awareness sessions to organizations and churches within Guyana.
Persons desirous of applying for a marriage licence can simply follow the procedure outlined via our website: gro.moha.gov.gy, email us at [email protected], or message us via WHATSAPP at +592 610 9394.