The Guyana Congregational Union takes this opportunity to express sincere condolences to the grieving who, on Saturday, July 18, 2026 suffered the loss of family members in that tragic and devastating incident involving the MV Barima, which, as it was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One capsized and sank. Never in the history of this country have we ever recorded the loss of so many Guyanese in any single disaster.
As a country, we have been robbed of a great deal of human potential which will never be realized as we think of the lives of youth and children who perished over that fatal weekend. Alas! Death staked its claim when it took those young lives – not to forget the adults who were also part of the tragedy – in the cold, cruel and boisterous waters in the darkness of night. Those lives, young and old together, are gone, never to be reclaimed. The circumstances around this great loss of life make it difficult for us, family, friends and sympathizers, to simply move on.
In this time of devastating grief and hurt, we join with the Psalmist, entreating: “May the Lord God show us His unfailing love, and grant unto us His salvation.” (Ps. 85:7, NIV.)
As we express our condolences, we can offer these words of comfort as penned in the hymn:
In times like these we need a Saviour,
In times like these we need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure
your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
In Psa. 23:4, we can find strength in these words: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
We recognize that members have been named toa Commission of Inquiry, and we hope that they begin their work very soon. We trust that their findings and recommendations can provide some degree of comfort and satisfaction, especially to the grieving families and the wider Guyanese people.
In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet declares: “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be feint.” Teach us, Lord, to wait.
Please accept our condolences in this hour of grief and pain.
The Guyana Congregational Union
