The police yesterday identified the three children who perished after a boat capsized in the Rupununi River early Saturday morning.
The police identified the three dead children as Linda Joseph, 12, a student of Aishalton Secondary School and who resided at Karaudanawa Village, South Rupununi; and Norsha Ayaw, 3, and Newton Ayaw, 11 months old, who both resided at Masakenari Village in the Deep South Rupununi.
According to the police, the deaths occurred at the Piri Piri Area in the Essequibo River.
The police said that information received from Donny Charlie, the 42-year-old District Development Officer for Masakenari Village, said that the three victims were with seven other passengers in a 35-ft wooden boat propelled by a 30 HP outboard engine. On board the boat were 72 sacks of cement and three gasoline drums. It was heading from Parabara Village to Masakenari Village.
The 27-year-old boat Captain, Joseph Ayaw, reported that he collided with a rock during the journey and the boat capsized, tossing all the passengers into the river. Ayaw, along with six other passengers, managed to swim to shore while the three children drowned.
The police say that the captain is the father of two of the victims (Norsha Ayaw and Newton Ayaw). Joseph’s parents were also on the boat at the time.
The bodies of the children were later recovered floating in the area.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and a team journeyed to Masakenari Village to offer condolences and comfort to grieving families.
When the government learnt of the tragedy, President Irfaan Ali assigned Sukhai to check on the welfare of the families, DPI said.
“We learnt of the accident that occurred on Friday night and for us, it is tragic …And we want to make sure that you know that we hurt with you and we grieve with you.
“For us as a government, we want you to know that our government is with you. You’re not alone, we’re here to grieve with you,” she said.
In addition to the three deaths, Toshao Paul Chekema said the village lost 72 sacks of cement, as well as a boat and engine. Sukhai committed to offer assistance in replacing the items after approval by the Cabinet, DPI said.
