Since the MV Barima tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 70 adults and children, more than half have already been laid to rest. Over the past two days, communities across Guyana have been plunged into deeper grief as the victims were laid to rest in their respective communities. Perhaps the heaviest burden carried over the past two days was not the weight of the coffins themselves, but the tiny coffins of the tragedy’s youngest victims, whose lives ended long before they had the chance to truly begin. On Saturday, the remains of 3-year-old Alicia Atkinson were laid to rest following a viewing at her family’s residence in Kairuni, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and a funeral service at the Kairuni Assembly of God Church, where her family were regular members. The nation also mourned the loss of Samara Manoharlall, 5, and Timar Manoharlall, 6, whose deaths left family members and communities heartbroken. In Port Kaituma, two young brothers, Omarius and Orwin Europe, were also laid to rest as relatives and residents gathered to bid them a final farewell.

Similarly, the remains of Tiona Sam, her daughter Kishanna Sam and Elizabeth Bowrin were given an emotional farewell too heart-wrenching to come to terms with. Their bodies were interred in the Mabaruma area. In White Water, Region One, relatives and residents gathered to honour Argeny Williams, who perished alongside his reputed wife, Cleriannys Valenzuela, and their daughter, Kelly Williams. The community also paid its final respects to Marcia Beharry and Christiano Rodrigues, whose funeral service was held at the Port Kaituma Hospital. Meanwhile, siblings Justin Murray, Odessa Murray and Annalisa Murray, along with their cousin Rishana David, were laid to rest as grieving relatives and friends gathered to celebrate their lives. Another funeral service was held in White Water for Leonard Persaud, while Maryann Bernard, 68, was also laid to rest in Port Kaituma one week after the tragedy.

Elsewhere, Dwayne Forbes was buried following a funeral service at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Lawns in Mabaruma. Seventeen-year-old Claibelis Fraser, a resident of Port Kaituma, was laid to rest following a viewing at Carmen’s Funeral Home in Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Friday. Rona Mendonca was also buried on Friday as loved ones prayed for strength, comfort, and healing. Claiviz Fraser Bastardo was another victim remembered during the period of mourning, with family members and supporters calling for continued compassion and assistance for grieving relatives.