First Lady Arya Ali

Happy Emancipation Day to all Guyanese, especially to our Afro-Guyanese sisters and brothers.

As we reflect on the history of our African ancestors, whose rich heritage remains firmly embedded in our uniquely diverse Guyanese culture, we remember their strength and tenacity, which forged the path to liberation from the cruel system of chattel enslavement.

May we always honour their enduring legacy and celebrate their invaluable contributions to our beloved country.

The capsizing of the MV Barima has left us all standing on the shore of grief, watching and waiting for faces that may never return to us. Too many, far too many, have already been lost.

My heart aches with the weight of this sorrow. To the mothers who have lost their children, and to those still longing to see the faces of their offspring, I see you. I feel your pain. I share your anxiety. To the little ones who survived this terrible ordeal and to, I offer a quiet prayer and wishes for healing.

We give thanks for every person rescued. But we also bow our heads for those who did not make it. May their names be carried gently on the tide of our remembrance. And to the families still waiting, still watching I send you my love and concern.

Let us hold one another in comfort and support. Let us be the anchor for those whose lives have been turned asunder. And let us continue to pray, not only for rescue and recovery, but for the strength to carry whatever news may come.

May God shelter the rescuers, bless the lost, and cradle the broken hearts of every mother, every child, every man, every woman, and every family still hoping, still expectant.

Arya Ali
First Lady of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

I extend my sincere condolences to all the families affected by the MV Barima tragedy during this unimaginable time of grief. As our nation observes this period of mourning, prayer and reflection, I join all Guyanese in honouring the memories of all those whose lives were tragically lost.
May every grieving family find strength and healing in the days ahead and may we continue to keep the survivors in our prayers.

My heart is heavy following the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima last evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew members, and the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

I am encouraged that many passengers have already been rescued, and I remain hopeful that more survivors will be found as search and rescue efforts continue.

To every family waiting for word from a loved one, I stand with you sharing in your hope and praying for the safe return of those who are still unaccounted for. May God watch over the rescue teams and all those affected during this difficult time.

Congratulations to all our young achievers who received their National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results today and will be embarking on their secondary school journey this September.
Today's results are a reminder that every child in Guyana matters, and we remain resolute in our commitment to investing in their growth, development, and success.
The increase in the percentage of students scoring 50% or more across every subject is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, and her dynamic team at the Ministry, as well as the teachers, parents, guardians, and everyone who played an instrumental role in supporting our children during their preparations.
Congratulations once again!

Pleased to announce that through Phase 5 of the Adopt-an-Orphanage Initiative, I was able to secure sponsorship for 11 orphanages for the next 12 months. This sponsorship covers a range of expenses, including utilities, repairs and maintenance, transportation, and the provision of services such as health services and recreational activities.

When I first launched this initiative in 2021, we started with 8 orphanages and now that number has increased to 11. The growth of this initiative is attributable to the power of collective action and meaningful partnerships that have enabled our orphanages to continue their mission.

The 11 homes which will receive support over the next 12 months are: A Sanctuary Children's Home, Bless the Children Home, Save R Kids, Hope Children's Home, Joshua House Children's Centre, Prabhu Sharan Orphanage, Red Cross Children's Convalescent Home, Ruimveldt Children's Home and Care Center, Shaheed's Boys' Orphanage, Shaheed's Girls' Orphanage, and St. John's Bosco Orphanage.

Special thanks are extended to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Comfort Sleep, Amarah Hope Foundation, IB Construction, Guyana Shore Base Inc., J's Supermarket, Puran Brothers Inc., Onyx Engineering Inc., Demerara Bank Limited, Premier Construction, Dr Balwant Singh's Hospital, Sheriff Medical, Optique Vision Care, Guyana Breweries Inc., N. Balgobin & Sons, Candy Corner, ANSA McAL Trading Limited and the Embassy of Mexico.

Last evening, I was pleased to join Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce at the opening of the Origins, Guyana Fashion Festival.

Here are some images from last evening’s event.

Yesterday, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy, I hosted the “This is my Mexico” children's drawing competition at State House. The participants for the competition were from two care homes, Joshua House Children Centre and Shaheed’s Boys and Girls orphanages.

The global contest, organised annually by the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IMME), will have the drawings evaluated by a specialised jury, and the selected works will be exhibited in diplomatic and consular offices, as well as at cultural events, promoting both Guyanese children's art and Mexican culture worldwide.