Some of the victims
PHILIPSBURG--A candlelight vigil will be held on Friday, July 24, in St. Maarten to honour the victims of the “MV Barima” passenger and cargo ferry tragedy in Guyana, as that country observes three days of national mourning.
The vigil is scheduled to be held from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at the Carib Lumber Cricket Ground.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali announced three days of national mourning for the lives that were tragically lost from the disaster involving the “M.V. Barima”. He said last Saturday night’s sinking of the vessel has brought profound and widespread sorrow and immeasurable grief throughout Guyana.
The Guyana government estimates that 179 persons, including 18 crew members, were aboard the almost 90-year-old vessel when it went down almost 10 miles from the Essequibo Coast at about 11:00pm Saturday.
In light of the national tragedy and the period of mourning, the postulation period for elections for the St Maarten Guyanese Association Board has been paused until 12:00am on Saturday, July 25, and has been extended until Tuesday, July 28, at 6:00pm.
