“We never imagine they will not come home” – Dr Ashni Singh

…says sorrow is shared by entire nation

There were tears, prayers and heartfelt tributes on Thursday as family members, friends, colleagues and Government officials gathered at the Mount Pisgah Seventh-day Adventist Church at Glasgow, East Bank Berbice, to bid a final farewell to 28-year-old Kevin Wilson, one of the crew members who lost his life in last week’s MV Barima maritime tragedy.
Wilson’s funeral came just days after the vessel sank off Guyana’s coast, claiming the lives of several crew members and plunging families across the country into mourning.
Addressing the congregation, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh reflected on the unimaginable pain faced not only by Wilson’s family but by every family that lost a loved one in the tragedy.
“Every day we see our sons and daughters getting dressed and going off to work or going off to school. We smile, and we wave them goodbye, we hug them goodbye, and we expect as a matter of natural and automatic force that we will be welcoming them back home later that day, or perhaps the next day, depending on the nature of their work. We never for a moment imagine that they will not be coming home to us at the end of the week. We never for a moment imagine that they will not be coming back to us,” Dr Singh said.
His remarks resonated throughout the packed church, where mourners struggled to come to terms with the loss of a young man remembered for his quiet nature, dedication and willingness to serve others.
Wilson’s death has become one of the most heart-breaking stories to emerge from the MV Barima disaster. A former member of the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit, he later joined the Transport and Harbours Department in 2024, where colleagues described him as dependable, disciplined and committed to his duties.
Reflecting on Wilson’s life, Dr Singh said the photographs displayed throughout the church captured a young man whose future held tremendous promise.
“We see a young, handsome, vibrant, energetic, happy… calm. We see a handsome, energetic, striking, full-of-life, happy person. I looked at the pictures of his happy smile, happy and calm smile, full of life, full of promise,” he told mourners.
The Minister acknowledged that while many often say that “God knows best”, the untimely death of a young person remains a painful reality that is difficult for loved ones to accept.
Throughout the service, tributes painted the picture of a humble and compassionate young man whose character left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
In one of the most emotional moments of the funeral, a relative described Wilson as “a gentle light”, whose kindness, dedication and warmth touched countless lives. Fighting back tears, she reflected on the years they shared together and said his sudden passing had left an emptiness that words could scarcely describe. Though his life was cut tragically short, she said his love, generosity and gentle spirit would continue to live on in the hearts of family and friends.
Representatives of the Transport and Harbours Department also paid tribute to Wilson, honouring his commitment and dedicated service as a crew member aboard the MV Barima. They remembered him as a dependable employee whose professionalism and quiet disposition earned him the respect of both his supervisors and fellow workers.
Region Six Commander, Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus, also paid tribute during the funeral service, recalling Wilson’s years of service in the Guyana Police Force before he joined the Transport and Harbours Department.
Bacchus described the 28-year-old as a disciplined, dedicated and selfless young man who served his country with honour in both careers. He extended condolences to Wilson’s parents, relatives, friends and colleagues, acknowledging the profound loss they now face while encouraging them to draw strength from the memories he leaves behind.
As the service drew to a close, Dr Singh reminded the grieving family that their sorrow was shared by an entire nation.
“I don’t believe that there is anybody who could safely say that their heart is not broken together with your heart today.”
For Kevin Wilson’s family, however, the pain extends beyond the national mourning. As they laid their son to rest, they said their greatest comfort lies in the memories of a quiet, calm and loving young man whose final journey has left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known him.