By Antonio Dey
Tributes and condolences poured in yesterday for the five members of the Guyana Defence Force who perished in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.
Dead are veteran aviator, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan. The survivors are Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali led the tributes. In a press statement yesterday he said that it was with an “indescribable” heaviness in his heart and profound anguish that he shared the devastating news of the death of the five “bravest” sons from the Guyana Defence Force.
He said that these valiant men met their untimely end when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the rugged and challenging terrain of the interior amidst treacherous weather conditions. There has been no word yet of the investigation that will have to be mounted into this crash. Nor has there been word on the condition of the remains of the chopper and whether there had been a fire upon impact.
Ali said that he knew each of the individuals personally, and his respect for them was boundless.
The Head of State noted that the soldiers were not just military men; but were guardians of Guyana’s sovereignty, defenders of values, and champions of freedom.
“Their commitment to duty was unwavering, as evidenced by their willingness to embark on missions even in the most treacherous conditions to ensure the safety of our Motherland,” Ali remarked.
According to the President, the pain, felt at the loss of these dedicated servicemen is “immeasurable.”
He said that this is a blow to the Guyana Defence Force as the sacrifice, made in the line of duty, will forever be etched in the annals of Guyana’s history, which is a testament to the courage and devotion of the GDF ranks.
The President also extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes.
“I cannot fathom the depth of your grief, but please know that our entire nation mourns with you”.
“Your loved ones, our heroes, will be remembered not only for their sacrifice but for the honour and courage they displayed in service to our country.”
The Commander-in-Chief implored all Guyanese to join in remembering these fallen soldiers by offering prayers.
He urged the nation to remain united, and honour the memory of the exemplary military men.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips extended his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the fallen soldiers, as well as the Guyana Defence Force on the loss of their comrades.
He said that his thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved friends and families of the soldiers.
Upon hearing the death of the five GDF personnel, Philips said his heart was “heavy.”
The retired Brigadier and Chief of Staff of the GDF extended his fervent wishes for a swift and complete recovery to Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson and condolences on the loss of their colleagues. There has been no word on the condition of these two men.
In the wake of the devastating news, condolences were also extended to the Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, and the entire Guyana Defence Force community.
“May the memories of the fallen soldiers be a source of strength and inspiration as we navigate through this profound sorrow,” the Prime Minister concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, on behalf of the Guyana Police Force, expressed sincerest condolences on the tragic loss of lives of five patriotic Guyanese.
He said these sons of the soil made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country and will not be forgotten.
Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton said that it is with deep sadness and anguish he learnt of the five brave men who perished as a result of a helicopter crash.
He too extended his deepest condolences to the family of the servicemen and said their brave efforts and memories will never go unnoticed.
“We will forever honour these current and former army officers as genuine and brave sons of the soil who gave dedicated service and their lives in defence of our dear homeland, Guyana.”
The Opposition Leader after learning of the missing helicopter, all Guyanese hoped and prayed for the best outcome for the entire crew.
“Alas, it was not to be, their services to their country and their fellow citizens were needed elsewhere, may their spirits rest in peace and may they continue to fight the good fight.”
Norton wished the surviving army officers Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson, a full and speedy recovery.
He assured that the survivors and their families would have the full support of the GDF in particular, and the Government of Guyana in general, as they seek to overcome the trauma associated with the accident.
The Opposition Leader said that he stands with the entire GDF officer corps and servicemen, in this time of bereavement
He asserted that despite the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, the military force is standing resolute and brave, despite the loss of their comrades.
“Please be reassured of our support and appreciation of the great sacrifice you continue to make to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty and for that, we are eternally grateful.”
The Parliamentary Opposition also lobbied for a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure the safety of the troops in the future.
Traversing
Reflecting on the life of prominent aviator, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, who has been traversing the skies around Guyana for almost four decades with a special interest in photo-documenting the country’s sights, was Deborah Charles, cousin of the deceased.
The emotionally distraught relative told Stabroek News that “Michael was a true son of the soil as he was fully dedicated to serving his country.”
Deeming the news of Michael’s death as devastating, she said it is difficult for her to accept the reality as Charles was just not an amazing cousin but a best friend.
“We talked a lot, and apart from being my cousin, we were best friends, he would share personal things with me and say ‘I didn’t share it with the others you are the first to know’, he was my favourite cousin, we told each other that and I will forever cherish him,” Deborah said.
Former Director General of the Guyana Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig in a Facebook post said “My heart is heavy with sorrow as I reflect on the tragic loss of some of our finest men in uniform.”
He continued, “The pain of their absence is immeasurable, and it cuts deep into the very fabric of our shared experiences.” Craig recounted that he had worked closely with each of these remarkable individuals on various assignments, military and humanitarian operations, training, and exercises.
He said the bond shared through service and brotherhood was unbreakable, and the dedication of the army men to Guyana was unwavering which is forever resonating.
“The pride they took in donning their uniforms, the camaraderie we forged, and the love they extended to all of us has left an indelible mark on my heart. Their sudden absence has left a void that cannot be filled,” Craig said.
“To the families of these brave souls, I extend my embrace and love and lift you in prayers and faith, and I call upon all of us to hold these men, their families, the GDF, and our country in our thoughts and prayers.”
The former CDC Head said that the death of the army men carried a great impact but their memories will forever be cherished.
“Rest in eternal peace, my friends, with all my love and unwavering respect, sleep in peace brothers and my heartfelt sympathy to you and the family,” Craig concluded.
Shanieka Haynes, a close friend of Staff Sergeant Jason Khan said that he was family-oriented.
“He was very loving and put his family first, it is extremely difficult at this moment in dealing with this reality, we all attended North Georgetown Secondary and Jason became like family,” Haynes told Stabroek News.
“Jason was a great individual, he always put God first and was very compassionate, so his death came as a shock to us, we were all hopeful that he would have arrived home safely.”
“I had a conversation with his wife, that morning before the tragedy and I told her that everything will be okay as she had mixed emotions.”
“Jason will never be forgotten, as he was a great serviceman to his country and citizens, we will miss him,” Haynes concluded.
Guyanese calypso songbird, Faith Corrica, also known as ‘Lil Canary’, reflected on the life of Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome.
“I did a stint of studies at the Guyana School of Nursing in 2019-20 and Mr Welcome was my Disaster Management Lecturer.”
“I remember being tired in class sometimes because it was kind of hard balancing my music career and nursing and ‘Sir’ would come into class and if he saw a tiny bit of tiredness in my face, he’d crack a joke and send me to wash my face. I remember him as an extremely jolly and understanding person, he was one of the best lecturers at school. If you didn’t walk out of any class with a full understanding of what had been taught, I can promise you, that you would’ve walked out of his class feeling like a scholar.
“He made education fun and even though the topics were always serious he would be sure to put in a joke here and there to keep me awake!!
“I believe all of his students would agree when I say he was an outstandingly amazing person! Rest in perfect peace, ‘Sir’ Welcome”.
Mikaila Prince, a student at the University of Guyana said, “Sean Welcome taught me in UG, he was a kind, bright and brave soul who wasn’t afraid to put his foot down when he needed to.”
“Whenever our paths crossed, no matter how seldom, we exchanged warm words. In our last conversation, he told me that he was proud of me, of the work that I was doing, and that he’d always be a supporter watching on. I join so many in mourning the loss of a great man who will be immensely missed.”
An educator who preferred his identity be undisclosed said that he knew Welcome through his son, whom he taught in nursery school and is currently teaching in primary school. “
Welcome was known for his quiet and easy-going nature. Though he spoke sparingly, his passing has deeply impacted our school, and he will be greatly missed.
Meanwhile, Jaz, a close friend of Colonel Michael Shahoud said that the army officer was an adorable individual as he was the nicest person one can encounter.
“He always had a smile on his face, always caring and the minute I heard of his death, my entire heart sank”, Jaz said.
The St Joseph High Old School Association also extended heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the fallen soldiers.
The association in a Facebook post said that “The Blueblood Family has lost 2 of our very own, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome and Colonel Michael Shahoud”.
“To Know, To Love, To Serve – you have done that with distinction and we say thank you,” the post read.
The Guyana Defence Force, yesterday entered the second day of its search and rescue operation to locate one of its helicopters which went missing since 11:20 am on Wednesday, December 6.
A special forces team was inserted into the area and arrived at the crash site at approximately 2:30 pm.
The team was dispatched to extract the persons onboard, namely Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Lieutenant Andio Crawford, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.
Two search and rescue-capable helicopters provided by Omni made three attempts to extract those at the crash site, with priority given to the two survivors, namely Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson. These efforts were however, thwarted by the persistent severe weather over the site.
The rescue team inserted earlier yesterday, including medical personnel, remains at the site, providing the necessary support to Lt. Andio Crawford and CPL Wayne Jackson.
The rescue and recovery operation will resume at the earliest opportunity today.
