Region 9 boat mishap: Bodies of 3 children to be exhumed – Police

One day after the three children who lost their lives in the tragic boat mishap were buried in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the Guyana Police Force has announced that their bodies will be exhumed.
The bodies of the children – 12-year-old Linda Joseph, a student of Aishalton Secondary School and who resided at Karaudar Village, South Rupununi; Norsha Ayaw, a three-year-old, and Newton Ayaw, an 11-month-old, both of whom resided at Masakenari village – were buried in the village of Masakenari, Region Nine, during a short ceremony on Sunday.

They tragically died after the boat in which they were travelling collided with a rock, caught fire and sank in the Essequibo River.
The Ayaw children were from Parabara village in Deep North Rupununi, while Linda Joseph, who was from Karaudanawa village, was vacationing with the Ayaws.
At time of the tragic accident, the boat was being captained by Joseph Ayaw, who was transporting construction materials and gasoline from Parabara village to Gun Village with three children and his wife as occupants.
According to information reaching Guyana Times, the boat came in contact with a rock, causing it to sink; and as the adults desperately attempted to save the children, the gasoline spilled and ignited, burning to death Linda Joseph and Newton Ayaw. Moreover, Joseph Ayaw and his wife sustained injuries as the boat in which they were travelling became completely submerged.

This publication understands that another boat that was behind Ayaw’s boat saw what had happened and went to their aid. Eventually, the two adults were rescued, and the bodies of the three children were later found. The face, hands, feet, and other parts of three-year-old Norsha Ayaw’s body were eaten by piranhas beyond recognition.

Profound sadness
During an interview with this publication on Monday, Toshao of Aishalton Village, Michael Thomas shared that the materials were going to be used to upgrade an airstrip within Masakenari village.
“From what I learned from the health worker here is that the boat was transporting cement and fuel from Parabara out to Masakenari. Those materials are intended to be used on upgrading their airstrip,” Thomas told Guyana Times.
Thomas explained that the route taken by the vessel is not commonly travelled.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Representative for Region Nine, Alister Charlie expressed profound sadness over this tragedy.
“In light of the Mahdia tragedy, the recent boat mishap in Masakenari leading to the untimely loss of three young Waiwai Amerindian lives is a source of profound sorrow. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Waiwai community of Masakenari. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this distressing time,” a saddened Charlie expressed.
Additionally, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai visited the grieving families to offer the Government’s support. President Dr Irfaan Ali assigned Minister Sukhai to check on the welfare of the families.

“We learnt of the accident…we want to make sure that you know that we hurt with you and we grieve with you. For us as a Government, we want you to know that our Government is with you. You’re not alone, we’re here to grieve with you,” she expressed while engaging families and residents on Monday.
She also offered words of encouragement to the families and reiterated the Government’s support during this difficult period in their lives.
“Our Government grieves and sympathises with you as a family and I know that you have the support of your village,” Sukhai added.
In addition to losing three lives, Toshao Paul Chekema said the village lost 72 sacks of cement, as well as a boat and engine. Sukhai committed to offer assistance in replacing the items, following approval by Cabinet.