Tears, comfort and solidarity |14 November 2026

• Families of those lost at sea honoured on World Kindness Day

 In an atmosphere marked by shared grief, compassion and solidarity, tears flowed freely at the Office of the First Lady, Bel Eau yesterday as families who have lost loved ones at sea gathered to mark World Kindness Day.

Organised jointly by the Kindness and Compassion Foundation and the Office of the First Lady, this year’s commemoration went beyond traditional celebrations, offering a safe and supportive space for healing to those carrying the profound burden of maritime tragedies. For an island nation whose identity and livelihoods are inextricably linked to the ocean, losing a loved one to the sea leaves a lasting wound, often made more painful by the absence of closure.

The emotional weight of the occasion was evident from the very beginning. Deacon Edmund Michel opened the ceremony with a solemn prayer, invoking peace, comfort and strength for the grieving mothers, fathers, spouses and children gathered. A moving gospel performance followed, setting a reflective tone and bringing many family members to tears.

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