Belize Stands with Guyana as Nation Mourns MV Barima Tragedy

Belize is standing with Guyana tonight as that country mourns a deadly maritime tragedy. The MV Barima capsized late Saturday with more than one hundred and thirty passengers on board. More than sixty people have been rescued, but dozens are still missing, and investigators are now looking into reports of overcrowding and possible crew misconduct. Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has declared three days of national mourning, with flags at half-mast, a National Day of Prayer in Georgetown, and vigils being held across the country. This morning, Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca said Belize remains in close contact with Guyanese authorities and that CARICOM stands united in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Overnight they recovered an additional fifty bodies overnight. On the positive side I think they were able to rescue some sixty people. But an absolute tragic incident. We’ve reached out as you know, President Ali is a good friend of Belize, a good friend of Prime Minister Briceño. Prime Minister has called him. We’ve reached out to him and expressed our solidarity and asked them how we can provide any meaningful material support in any way. So we’re praying for our brothers and sisters in Guyana.”

 

The Government of Guyana has expressed its deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and solidarity from friends and international partners during this difficult time.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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