Dear Editor,
I commend the Consulate General (CG) of Guyana in NY, under the leadership of Ambassador Mike Brotherson, for organising a diaspora prayer vigil on Friday evening in memory of the victims of the tragic MV Barima incident and in support of the 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 criticise the Government or its missions for organising or supporting vigils.
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 organising vigils. Those who organise vigils should not be criticised.
At a time of profound grief and national sorrow, now is not the time for politics or to criticise the Government or its diplomatic missions or Queens-based organisations 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 organising events that don’t contradict diplomacy or goals and the Barima incident’s objectives. Community organisations are free to hold vigils. Several community organisations held or plan vigils in Queens and one in Brooklyn. There is no evidence that the CG or any NGO organised vigils in response to others. The 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 heart-breaking 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, has 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. US Senator Chuck Schumer sent a message, and NY Senator Roxanne Persaud of Brooklyn delivered remarks. Pastor Dr Carl Stuart read from the Bible.
National tragedies should transcend political differences and serve as occasions for unity, empathy, and mutual support. The CG prayer vigil reflected these values by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to honour the lives that were lost and to offer comfort through faith and fellowship. There were prayers, speeches, and spiritual songs from persons of several faiths, ethnicities, age groups, genders, and geographies of Guyana.
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 organised vigils, providing the Guyanese diaspora with a meaningful opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of the MV Barima tragedy.