The Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust (HEART) Initiative has expressed gratitude to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, its owner Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, and the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) for a $25 million donation to support survivors and families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. The cheque was presented by GSL Chairman Sir Clive Lloyd to representatives of the HEART Initiative – Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Rev Dr Kwame Gilbert, Lt Col Dominic Shepherd, Misha Goodchild, and Pandit Roopnarine Persaud on Saturday before the Global Super League final at the Providence National Stadium. The donation fulfils a commitment made by the Guyana Amazon Warriors to contribute towards humanitarian relief efforts following the July 18, 2026 capsizing of the MV Barima off the Essequibo Coast.

The HEART Initiative said the contribution will assist in providing support to affected families and survivors as they continue their recovery following the maritime tragedy. Support through the initiative will include financial assistance, psychosocial support, trauma counselling, recovery services, spiritual guidance and other forms of community support. The HEART Initiative was established by President Dr Irfaan Ali following the MV Barima disaster to coordinate long-term assistance for survivors and the families of those who lost loved ones.

The national programme is intended to bring together humanitarian assistance, social services, counselling and spiritual support, while ensuring continued assistance for those affected. President Ali previously stated that the initiative was not intended as compensation, but as an expression of the nation’s commitment to stand with survivors and bereaved families throughout their recovery. The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo ferry, capsized off the Essequibo Coast on July 18, 2026, in one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime tragedies.