The Consulate General (CG) of Guyana in NY, under the leadership of Ambassador Mike Brotherson, organized a diaspora prayer and candlelight vigil Friday evening July 24 in memory of the victims of the tragic MV Barima incident and in support of the affected families and survivors. Multiple prayer events were held over the last few days at home and in the diaspora. No harm done!; the more the better. The CG event was official from the government. One shouldn’t criticize the government or its missions for organizing or supporting vigils in the diaspora. The government held several vigils in Guyana embracing all. Now is not the time for deliberate political rebuke of the Guyana NY CG or of those in Queens organizing vigils. Those who organize vigils should not be criticized but praised and supported.
At a time of profound grief and national sorrow, now is not for politics or to criticize the government or its diplomatic missions or Queens based organizations for holding prayer vigils. From a rhetorical perspective, critics must not employ emotionally charged language— terms such as “puppets”, etc. to describe vigils in support of the victims of the tragedy.
The government and its missions don’t have a monopoly on vigils or events. All can hold vigils. But missions must follow protocols and be guided by the government in organizing events that don’t contradict diplomacy or goals and in the Barima incident its objectives.
Community organizations are free told hold vigils. Several community organizations held or plan vigils in Queens and one in Brooklyn. There is no evidence that the CG or any NGO organized vigils in response to others. NY CG waited for government plans. It can’t act on its own.
The Consulate vigil as indeed others provided an opportunity for members of the Guyanese diaspora to come together in prayer, reflection, and solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives and with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Such occasions remind us that, even across borders, we remain united as one people in times of mourning.
The Consulate’s initiative, as indeed others, have demonstrated compassion, leadership, and a recognition of the important role the diaspora plays in supporting our nation during moments of crisis. By creating a space for collective remembrance, the Consulate helped foster healing and reaffirmed the enduring bonds that connect Guyanese at home and abroad. There were several speakers including Brotherson and UN Ambassador Carolyn Birkett Rodrigues who is a nominee for UN Secretary General. US Senator Chuck Schumer sent a message and NY State Senator Roxanne Persaud of Brooklyn delivered remarks. Pastor Dr Carl Stuart read from the Bible and Pt Ravi Doobay gave a stirring speech from the Hindu scriptures. Other religious leaders led the attendees in prayers.
National tragedies should transcend political differences and serve as occasions for unity, empathy, and mutual support. The CG prayer candle light vigil reflected these values by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to honor the lives that were lost and to offer comfort through faith and fellowship. The prayers, speeches, spiritual songs from persons of several faiths, ethnicity, age groups, genders, and geography of Guyana were well received.
I express my appreciation to Ambassador Brotherson and others involved in planning and coordinating this meaningful event. Their efforts are worthy of recognition and exemplify the spirit of public service, community engagement, compassion, empathy, and care.
As Guyana continues to mourn this tragic loss, it is my hope that the compassion and unity demonstrated during the vigil will inspire continued support for the bereaved families and reinforce our collective commitment to standing together in times of adversity.
Thanks to all who organized vigils providing the Guyanese diaspora with a meaningful opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of the MV Barima tragedy. The CG NY expressed its gratitude to the participants of this prayer service.
