Jul 20, 2026 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column

(Kaieteur News) – Everything comes to a pause. Writings already sent suspended. There is only one development to share a word about: the MV Barima. One word, and a whole barrel of pain. A disaster greeting long before the sun showed its face on a Sunday. Of all days, a Sunday. The hopes and prayers started with the first words of the 07:30 Mass at the Brickdam Cathedral. So many found, embraced, and cheered. So many still missing, leaving an empty space. Amid the manmade disasters on land in Guyana, there is this kind of grim disaster on the waters. The numbers are not looking too inspiring. The bells toll.

I read of 116 aboard. Then it was 133, when the crew was counted. Approximately eight hours after the news broke, 70 were rescued and close to that number still not in hand. A dismal consideration when only adults are involved. Children numbered among those onboard that now capsized ferry. A terrible new dimension added. My hope, my wish, my prayer, is that all are saved. Not one soul is lost. The odds of that happening are daunting. Ten miles from shore is almost as far as the other end of the world. Nevertheless, rescue operations are in full motion. The government has mobilised. Good. The national leadership is engaged and alert. Better.