New Amsterdam waives burial plot fees for families of MV Barima victims

Jul 23, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) of New Amsterdam has announced that families of those who lost their lives in the MV Barima tragedy will not be required to pay for burial plots at the Stanleytown Cemetery.

Mayor Wainwright McIntosh made the announcement on Wednesday, describing the move as a gesture of solidarity with the grieving families.

“I wish to announce that the municipality of New Amsterdam will be waiving all costs associated with burial spaces for the victims of this tragedy. The affected families will not be required to pay any monies for burial spaces….as a municipality, we pray that God will grant these families the strength, comfort, and courage they need during this profoundly painful period,” the mayor said in a statement.

New Amsterdam waives burial plot fees for families of MV Barima victims

New Amsterdam Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh and APNU Councillor Pollyanne Schultz with the parents of Kevin Wilson.

Also on Wednesday, McIntosh, accompanied by Councillor Pollyanne Schultz, visited the homes of families whose relatives have been confirmed dead, as well as families of persons who remain missing following Saturday evening’s tragedy.

Among those visited was the family of 28-year-old Kevin Wilson, whose death was confirmed on Monday evening. During the visit, the mayor informed the family of the council’s decision and said the municipality was committed to easing some of the burden they now face.

The mayor also announced that anyone who had already paid for burial spaces before Wednesday’s decision would receive a full refund through the council’s treasurer’s office.

Mayor Wainwright McIntosh alongside relatives of Paul Seepersaud.

McIntosh said the decision required little discussion, noting that it was only fitting for the municipality to provide practical assistance to families affected by the disaster while joining other organisations and agencies in supporting them.

“This is a critical junction in the history of this country. Over a hundred lives were lost. This is very tragic. My heart goes out nationally. The town of New Amsterdam, we are standing in solidarity with you as a family, and with every other family who would’ve lost their loved ones.”

The mayor also visited the family of 56-year-old sailor Raymond Somra of Islington, East Bank Berbice, who remains unaccounted for. Relatives said Somra had worked as a sailor for more than four decades.

The aunt of Raymond Somra being engaged by NA mayor Wainwright McIntosh and Councilor Schultz.

Visits were also made to the families of Paul Seepersaud, 44, of Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, whose body was recovered on Tuesday, and Devon Mars of Sandvoort Village, West Bank Berbice, whose identity is yet to be officially confirmed.

The government has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy, while religious and community organisations across the country have organised activities in remembrance of the victims.

The Municipality of New Amsterdam has also hosted a candlelight vigil and a night of prayer in honour of those who lost their lives.

“At this time of national crisis, the town of New Amsterdam joins the entire nation of Guyana in mourning the lives lost, while remaining hopeful for those citizens who are still missing. We pray that, as a country and as a people, unity, compassion, and good sense will prevail. This is no time for politics. Families are hurting, and our focus must be on supporting them, comforting them, and standing with them. We remain hopeful that those who are still missing will be found,” McIntosh stressed.

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burial plot, M&TC, MV Barima, MV Barima victims, New Amsterdam

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