President Dr. Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning following the MV Barima tragedy, as the country continues to grieve the lives lost in the deadly ferry sinking.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the national mourning period will run from Wednesday, July 22, to Friday, July 24, 2026, in honour of the victims.
During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on Government buildings and other appropriate locations.
Wednesday, July 22, will also be observed as a National Day of Prayer. A National Day of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown.
The Ministry said a Night of Reflection and Prayer will also be held in Port Kaituma on Thursday, July 23, and in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24.
Religious organisations, civic groups and citizens across Guyana are being encouraged to host candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the mourning period.
The full Proclamation has been published in the Official Gazette.
The declaration comes as search, rescue and recovery operations continue following the sinking of the MV Barima. In its latest update, the Government said 77 persons had been rescued, while 41 bodies had been recovered as of 13:00hrs on Tuesday.
Authorities said 16 vessels were deployed in the wreckage area, and the search zone had been expanded by an additional 400 square miles, extending up to Waini Point, to improve the chances of locating remaining persons.
French and local divers are also continuing underwater search and recovery operations at the wreckage site.
Family members are assisting with the identification of recovered bodies at the Suddie Hospital, while stakeholders involved in the operation have been instructed to transfer any recovered bodies immediately to the custody of the Guyana Police Force at the established facility at the Charity River Dam.
