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Tears and tributes as MV Barima Chief Engineer Paul Seepersaud laid to rest
(Kaieteur News) – MV Barima Chief Engineer Paul Seepersaud was laid to rest on Wednesday as hundreds of mourners gathered at the Wesleyan Church in New Amsterdam to pay their final respects.
The 44-year-old Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employee, who had spent more than three decades at sea, was among the 73 people confirmed dead in Guyana’s worst maritime disaster.
Following days of uncertainty, Seepersaud’s body was recovered on July 20, bringing long-awaited closure to his family. His sister told Kaieteur News that she identified him by the distinctive tattoos on his body.
MV Barima Chief Engineer, Paul Seepersaud, who died after the vessel capsized.
Like his brother, Seepersaud followed in the footsteps of their father and dedicated his life to a career in the maritime industry.
The funeral drew a cross-section of political leaders, government officials and residents from across Berbice. Among those in attendance were Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Region Six Chairman David Armogan, Regional Executive Officer Ronald Harsaywack, Government MP Zamal Hussain and Mayor of New Amsterdam Wainwright McIntosh.
Representing the opposition were APNU MPs Saiku Andrews and Dr. Terrence Campbell, WIN MP Natasha Singh-Lewis and attorney Darren Wade.
Seepersaud’s casket being wheeled into church by workmates on Wednesday.
Delivering an emotional tribute, Minister Bharrat recalled growing up with Seepersaud and spoke of his close relationship with the family. He urged mourners to cherish their loved ones and embrace a stronger sense of community.
“Use this tragedy for us to recognise that our time on earth is limited. The only sure thing in life is death. As we say goodbye to Paul, let us remember the good memories we had with him. Let us remember the laughter and the lessons he would’ve taught us. And his life was a lesson. At that point of Paul’s life, he was the chief engineer. And that tells you a story of determination, coming from humble beginnings to rise to such a position. It tells that he was a very determined person,” Bharrat said.
Speaking on behalf of President Irfaan Ali and the government, Minister Mustapha reminded the grieving family that the nation stands with them in mourning.
“Please know that you do not grieve alone. Every Guyanese who heard of the MV Barima tragedy felt a deep sense of shock and sadness. Tragedies like this remind us that we are strongest when we stand together. In this moment of profound grief, Guyanese of every faith and every background have come together to mourn, to pray, and to comfort one another,” he said.
Representing opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, MP Natasha Singh-Lewis also addressed the service, speaking also as a longtime friend of Seepersaud and his family.
“We must spend time and reflect on the good times, and acknowledge in your heart that God allowed Paul to be with you for 40 plus years, and acknowledge that goodness, because he was a good person,” she said.
A packed venue – the Wesleyan Church in New Amsterdam – for Paul Seepersaud’s funeral.
On behalf of APNU, Dr. Terrence Campbell described Seepersaud as a hero whose commitment never wavered despite the demands of working aboard the MV Barima.
“He kept doing it. He went out there every day doing his job, and to me he is also a hero,” Campbell said, drawing applause from mourners.
APNU MP Saiku Andrews assured relatives that the opposition would continue pressing for answers and accountability on behalf of the victims’ families.
Seepersaud’s colleagues from the Transport and Harbours Department also paid tribute, remembering him as a dedicated seaman whose passion for his work never diminished and expressing grief over the tragic circumstances of his death.
To date, the bodies of four Berbice victims have been recovered and returned to their families for burial. They are 54-year-old Orin Anthony Clarke of New Amsterdam, 28-year-old Kevin Wilson of Glasgow Village, 46-year-old Devon Mars of Sandvoort Village and 54-year-old Mark Abrams of No. 53 Village, Corentyne.
Another Berbice resident, 56-year-old Raymond Somra of Islington Village, East Bank Berbice, remains among those still unaccounted for.
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