Former Police Commissioner Laurie Leland Lewis was yesterday remembered for leaving a lasting impression on both the police force and the many who knew him.
At a solemn funeral service at the St. George’s Cathedral yesterday, tributes were presented by a number of persons, including acting Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brumell, who considered the farewell as the representation of the loss of an exemplary figure.
Lewis, who had a kidney ailment, passed away on August 13, at his Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara home. He was 71.
Lewis, Brumell said, joined the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as a Cadet on February 16, 1961, after completion of his secondary education at Queen’s College. On August 28, 1978, he joined the Guyana National Service as the Deputy Director General and in 1980 Lewis was appointed Manager of the National Guard Service. He served in that position up to the time of his appointment as Commissioner of Police, on July 23, 1990.
In his policing career, Brumell said, Lewis was appointed Deputy Super-intendent in 1964, Senior Superintendent in 1969, Assistant Commissioner in 1977, Deputy Commissioner in 1979 and Commissioner of Police in 1990. Lewis retired from the GPF in September, 2001.
During his career, Lewis also pursued studies at the University of Guyana, where he graduated with a degree in Public Management in 1975. He was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for his outstanding performance.
After his appointment to office of Commissioner of Police, he was awarded the Disciplined Service Medal and the Disciplined Service Star in 1991.
Brumell said that Lewis played a prominent role in many associations, such as the National Sports Commission, and the Rotary Club and he continued to attend sporting activities until his health started to deteriorate. However, he still kept up to speed through the many friends he had made along the way, Brumell added.
Lewis was also said to have been concerned about the personal development of police ranks and the Guyana Police Force as a whole. His developmental policies, Brumell noted, saw a large number of ranks taking up higher forms of education by attending the university and other academic institutions.
President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Khalil Ali remembered Lewis’ service to the Rotary Club. “Laurie Lewis always found time to attend meetings, even if he did briefly. He enjoyed the friendship of the Rotary; there was not a Rotarian that he had not known. His approachable manner made him a favourite friend,” he noted.
He described Lewis as a “top crime fighter,” who also possessed an artistic flare and recalled his role in the 2009 play ‘Murder at Giuseppe’s,’ at the National Cultural Centre, which was a favourite of many.
Ali also described Lewis as a humanitarian, noting that during the 2005 Great Flood, he assisted in coordinating relief projects for the inundated East Coast of Demerara communities. “Laurie brought an element of professionalism to the fields. He was a strong advocate for leadership development,” he added.
President of the Police Wives Association Grace Brumell, during a tribute, said that Lewis was a man of charisma and intense generosity, who not only dedicated his life to the Guyana Police Force but lent his support to her association as well.
“He thought us the meaning of opportunity. He always had an idea about how we can further build our finances… He chose the higher road, the path to kindness and love. He invested time, energy… Mr. Lewis has printed his name boldly in the sand of time. After completing his mission here, he has been promoted to a higher place,” she said.
There were also strong sentiments coming from businessman Roshan Khan. “This impressive figure, who was simple yet firm, who walked the soils… has left his mark as one of the most professional Commissioners of Police of all time,” he said.
“He was known as one who listened, who asked for advice and who consulted with the people. He never used the power of his office indiscriminately… He never used power to alienate ordinary people,” Khan also noted.
He added that Lewis had believed in nature and took pride in growing his own food. He also recalled his love for exotic animals and that he kept some as pets.
He described Lewis as a magnificent man, a great being, a spiritual mind and a friend.
Vibert Wailoo, who delivered the eulogy, said Lewis brought a wonderful family into the world. “He lived his life like he played badminton. He was a champion; he exhibited determination, knowledge and power,” Wailoo noted.
Following the church service, Lewis was cremated at the Good Hope Crematorium, East Coast Demerara.
