On July 21, 2026, a devastating maritime disaster has plunged Guyana into national mourning, drawing an outpouring of solidarity from neighboring Caribbean nations led by Belize.
The incident unfolded late Saturday, when the passenger vessel MV Barima capsized while carrying more than 130 passengers and crew off Guyana’s coast. As of Monday morning, rescue teams had pulled more than 60 survivors from the water, recovered 50 additional bodies, and left dozens of people still unaccounted for. Official investigations have now been launched to examine preliminary reports pointing to overcrowding on the vessel and potential misconduct by the ship’s crew, two factors that may have contributed to the deadly capsizing.
In response to the tragedy, Guyanese President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has proclaimed a three-day period of national mourning across the country. Throughout this period, all national flags will be flown at half-mast, a national Day of Prayer will be held in the capital Georgetown, and community vigils honoring the victims will take place in every region.
Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed Monday that his government has maintained close coordination with Guyanese authorities since the disaster began, and reaffirmed that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains fully united in supporting search, rescue, and recovery operations. Speaking to reporters, Fonseca described the incident as an unmitigated tragedy, noting that the survival of more than 60 passengers offered a small glimmer of good news amid overwhelming loss. “President Ali is a good friend of Belize, and a close personal friend of our Prime Minister Briceño,” Fonseca said. “The Prime Minister has already spoken with President Ali directly; our government has reached out to express our full solidarity, and we have offered any meaningful material support that Guyana may need to carry out these operations. We are praying for our brothers and sisters in Guyana at this difficult time.”
The government of Guyana has publicly issued a statement of deep gratitude for the wave of support, solidarity, and sympathy it has received from international partners and friendly nations across the globe in the wake of the disaster.