Tears, tributes flow as 1st set of MV Barima victims laid to rest

Days after the MV Barima tragedy off Guyana’s coast, which claimed the lives of scores of people, including children, several families gathered on Thursday to say their final goodbyes to loved ones as heart-breaking funeral services unfolded in an atmosphere of deep grief.

In White Water Village, Region One (Barima-Waini), relatives, friends and residents paid their final respects to Shamera Smith and Aarave Daniels, whose lives were cut short in the maritime disaster. The funeral service drew members of the wider community, alongside regional officials who attended to offer condolences and support to the bereaved families.
Among those present were Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, Regional Executive Officer Dr Steven Cheefoon, and other regional representatives.
Meanwhile, at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Lawns in Mabaruma, family members, friends, residents and government officials gathered for the funeral service of Gwenette Nunes and Ulanda Marques, who also perished in the tragedy.
Officials joined mourners in paying tribute to the victims and extending condolences to their grieving relatives, as communities across the region continued to mourn those who lost their lives.
The funeral services formed part of a series of ceremonies being held for victims of the MV Barima tragedy, which has left families and communities across Region One mourning the sudden loss of loved ones.
Meanwhile, family, friends and loved ones gathered on Thursday at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to pay their final respects to Clairmonte King, one of the victims of the MV Barima tragedy.
King was remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, with mourners sharing heartfelt tributes as they celebrated his life and reflected on the impact he had on those around him.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, joined the grieving family at the homegoing service, offering condolences and words of comfort as they mourned the loss of their loved one.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting families affected by the MV Barima tragedy while standing in solidarity with the King family as they bid farewell to a cherished member of their family.
Over in the ancient county of Berbice, family and friends bid their final farewell to Kevin Wilson, one of the crew members who tragically lost his life. Attending the funeral were Regional Chairman Junior Bassant and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh along with other regional officials.
In Region Three, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and other officials joined the family, relatives, and friends of Ravindra Singh and Bibi Mohamed in an emotional send-off.
During the funeral at Zeelugt, Minister Indar expressed heartfelt condolences, acknowledging the profound grief that the nation is experiencing due to this tragedy.
He reaffirmed the Government of Guyana’s support for the affected families and encouraged the wider community to come together in prayer and compassionate support for all those impacted by this heart-breaking event. Minister Priya Manickchand and Regional Chairman Ayube Inshaan also attended the funeral service.