White Water Village tones down Heritage Month activities due to MV Barima tragedy

Last Updated on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 14:51 by Denis Chabrol

The White Water Village Council has decided that that north-west community would this year observe Amerindian Heritage Month in a religious-oriented manner due to last month’s MV Barima tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 100 persons.

“This decision has been made out of respect for the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones and in support of those who survived the tragedy and continue to recover from its impact,” the council said in a statement.

That elected body made it clear that there would be no selling, no alcohol or no usual entertainment or celebratory activities for Heritage Month.

The White Water Village Council said the decision to depart from the “traditional celebrations that our community is accustomed to” is aimed at bringing together the community in this difficult period. “In light of the MV Barima tragedy, and as a community standing in solidarity with the grieving families who lost their loved ones, as well as the survivors who continue to experience trauma and other effects from this tragic event, the Village Council has decided that this year’s Heritage observance will be one of reflection, worship, prayer, unity, and spiritual encouragement,” the council said.

At least eight of the 76 deceased persons are from White Water, a village with a population of about 3,000 persons. The MV Barima sank about 10 miles off the Essequibo coast on July 19 enroute from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. The boat is yet to be salvaged and a presidential commission of inquiry has not yet started public hearings.

The Amerindian Heritage Month activities at the White Water Central Playfield would take the form of crusades, a worship and thanksgiving service and a gospel concert from September 25 to 27. Traditional food would be prepared and distributed on Sunday, the council said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs would be hosting an Amerindian Heritage Cultural Extravaganza in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month on September 1, 2026 at Amerindian Village, Sophia.  The ministry said the event would showcase Guyana’s rich Indigenous culture and traditions through cultural performances and other activities, under the theme: “Observing Our Cultural Heritage During Our Diamond Jubilee”