MV Barima ferry disaster sparks vigils in the Caribbean and New York

The MV Barima ferry capsized off Guyana on July 18, resulting in an estimated 100 deaths and becoming one of the country's deadliest maritime disasters. In the British Virgin Islands, the Guyanese community organized a candlelight vigil at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on July 29, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley extending condolences and emphasizing regional solidarity.

In New York, the Guyana Consulate General hosted a night of prayer on July 24 at 45th Street, attended by expatriates, U.S. officials and clergy. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and State Senator Roxanne Persaud publicly expressed sympathy, urged collective mourning, and called for support for the affected families.