Hundreds turned up at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Tortola on Friday, May 26, 2023, to join in mourning the loss of 19 children in a school dormitory fire in Guyana on May 21, 2023. Photo: VINO

Titled 'Light up the Night Vigil', an initiative spearheaded by Guyanese resident in the Virgin Islands Ms Cathy O. O. Richards, in collaboration with the Association of Guyanese in the BVI, brought together persons from all walks of life to the Park. Photo: VINO

The photos and names of the victims were displayed on a banner for all to see. Photo: VINO

The fire reportedly started just after 11:00 PM on Sunday night, May 21, 2023, while most of the children ere asleep. It quickly engulfed the heavily grilled wooden building, and that resulted in many of the children being trapped. Photo: News Source

Titled 'Light up the Night Vigil', an initiative spearheaded by Guyanese resident in the Virgin Islands Ms Cathy O. O. Richards, in collaboration with the Association of Guyanese in the BVI, brought together persons from all walks of life to the Park.

The photos and names of the victims were displayed on a banner for all to see. 

A minute of silence was held and persons lit candles while standing in the formation of a heart in a show of solidarity with Guyana and its people.

Among those present were relatives of some of the children who perished and those injured.

Words of condolences were shared by leaders of the Territory.

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG said, "To lose one child is a tragedy, to lose 19 young people in the circumstances that occurred last Sunday is almost unimaginable, inexplicable tragedy."

Governor Rankin also gave brief condolences on behalf of King Charles III and the British High Commissioner in Guyana.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) encouraged the families and friends of the deceased to hold on to God for their healing.

Trust in God for healing'- Hon Natalio D. Wheatley

"I want to let you know that even in your pain and your grief that God, the creator of the universe, whatever name you know Him, is the only one who can truly provide comfort and healing in the midst of tragedy.

Several other legislators also addressed the large gathering of residents.

Among them were Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE, Junior Minister for Tourism Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr The Honourable Karl Dawson (R1), Opposition Members Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8).

The programme also included the playing of the National Anthem of Guyana, the Virgin Islands Territorial Song, and God Save the King.

Guyanese Ms Lachmi Sammi gave an overview of what life is like for children accessing education in remote communities in Guyana.

Guyanese Mellicca McPherson and Brian Liverpool Snr both called the names of the deceased children, a group of Guyanese mainly of the Catholic community came together as a choir for the night and prayers were said by representatives of the Christian and Hindu faith.

The Master of Ceremonies was Guyanese Ivor Fraser, a former senior officer of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).