Governments, regional leaders and diplomatic missions have expressed condolences and solidarity with Guyana following the capsizing of the MV Barima, as search and rescue operations continue for passengers who remain missing. In separate statements on Sunday, the United States (US), the European Union (EU), Caricom, the Governments of Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago along with the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, offered support to Guyana while paying tribute to the rescuers involved in the ongoing operation. The Delegation of the EU in Guyana said it was “deeply saddened” by the capsizing of the MV Barima.
“The news of the capsizing of the MV Barima is deeply saddening. Our thoughts are with those who remain missing, their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragic incident,” the delegation stated. 
It also commended the rescue efforts, saying the “tireless efforts, courage and dedication” of everyone involved in the operation were deeply commendable. “The European Union stands in solidarity with Guyana during this difficult time. We hope and pray for the safe recovery of those who remain unaccounted for,” the statement added. The US Embassy in Guyana also expressed sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the families of those aboard the vessel. “The US Embassy is deeply saddened by the sinking of the MV Barima. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of those on board, passengers and crew alike,” the Embassy said. It also recognised the work of emergency responders. “We honour the courage of every rescuer who answered the call in the dark hours of the night and who continue their mission today. We pray for the safe recovery of all those still missing.”
Caribbean is one family
Prime Minister (PM) of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, said the tragedy had affected people across the Caribbean. “Like so many across our Caribbean region, I am deeply saddened by the tragic ferry incident in Guyana,” he stated. Dr Drew said his thoughts and prayers were with the people and Government of Guyana, particularly the families awaiting news of their loved ones. He also offered prayers for those who had been rescued and the first responders continuing search and rescue operations under difficult circumstances. “In moments like these, we are reminded that the Caribbean is one family,” he said, adding that the people and Government of St Kitts and Nevis stood with “our brothers and sisters in Guyana,” sharing in their sorrow and hoping for the best possible outcome for those still unaccounted for. Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness also expressed solidarity with Guyana. “I am deeply saddened by the capsizing of the MV Barima and the distress this incident has caused,” Holness said. He extended solidarity on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Government and people of Guyana and especially to the families and loved ones of those affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this event, as well as the brave rescue teams who continue their efforts with dedication and courage. We pray for strength and comfort for all those affected,” he added. PM of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar said her Government was deeply saddened by the incident and the significant loss of life it may have caused. On behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, she extended condolences to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy, especially the families of those who remain missing or who have lost loved ones,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar also paid tribute to the rescue teams, noting that air and naval assets, along with personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, were supporting the recovery efforts. She added that Trinidad and Tobago stood in solidarity with Guyana as families awaited the safe return of their loved ones and expressed hope that those still unaccounted for would be found as search and rescue operations continued. Caricom also issued a statement expressing sadness over the capsizing of the passenger ferry off the Atlantic coast near the Pomeroon River.
The regional body said it continued to closely follow the ongoing search and rescue operation involving passengers and crew. Caricom extended prayers and support to the families awaiting news of their loved ones and paid tribute to the courage, dedication and selfless efforts of the rescue teams and all those responding in the aftermath of the incident.
The organisation noted that the response was being led by the relevant arms of the Government of Guyana and included private vessel operators who mobilised overnight in challenging conditions to save lives. Caricom reaffirmed its solidarity with the Government and people of Guyana, particularly the families and communities affected by the disaster.
Assistance
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana said it was closely monitoring the incident and the ongoing search and rescue operations. The Embassy extended its sincere sympathies to the Government and people of Guyana and expressed concern for the passengers, crew members and their families. It said it sincerely hoped the rescue operations would proceed smoothly and that everyone aboard would return safely. The Embassy also stated that China stands ready to provide assistance within its capacity in light of Guyana’s needs.
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