Hundreds of Guyanese on Friday paid their last respects to four of the servicemen who died tragically in a helicopter crash last week while in service to the country.
The men – Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lt. Colonel Sean Welcome, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan – were remembered as ‘silent heroes,’ visionary leaders, and true Guyanese patriots who dedicated their lives to defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
At the Promenade Gardens in Georgetown, Brigadier Beaton, Welcome and Khan received a Military funeral, while the home going service for the Colonel Shahoud was held at the Brickdam Cathedral. He too received a Military funeral.
At both locations, a somber mood enveloped the atmosphere as the caskets draped with the Golden-Arrowhead were ushered in for the four different services.
President Irfaan Ali, in celebrating the life of Brigadier Beaton, said he was a man of class, whose character was of impeccable standard. The President said when confronted with a challenge, Brigadier Beaton would always rise above it.
“He would not allow any circumstance to dictate his behaviour, his attitude or his service. He rose above every single challenge, and that is worth celebrating,” President Ali said.
Brigadier Beaton was credited with developing a community-oriented programme using the Engineering Corps of the GDF to build trust and confidence in the communities through involvement of people to create respect and bring positivity to the Guyana Defence Force.
He had also focussed heavily on the development of hinterland airstrips that are strategic to the work of the Government and the Guyana Defence Force.
Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan said at the time of his death, Brigadier Beaton was spearheading works at the Kaieteur and Eteringbang Airstrips, and was instrumental in the repairs to many of the roads and bridges in many communities.
“Brigadier Beaton did not only build structures, he also built relationships, and foster relationships, good ones, professional ones, that helped shaped lives including mine. His remarkable service to our nation was recognised with numerous awards including the Military Efficiency Medal, the 40th and 50th Anniversary Medals and the prestigious Military Service Medal,” the Chief-of-Staff said.
Meanwhile, late Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome was remembered as a son of the soil, who served his country with dignity, honour and pride.
President Ali, in paying tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Welcome, said he came from a family of service to Guyana, and was committed to his country.
Noting that this was not the first time Lieutenant Colonel Welcome was on the frontline, President Ali said when Guyana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is chronicled, Sean Welcome’s name will be well documented and celebrated as he would have played a key role in keeping the country safe.
It was noted that the Lieutenant Colonel spearheaded operational logistics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Aspects of his work, meant that every day during that period, he put his life at risk, he put his family life at risk, in helping us to get people vaccinated, in helping us to take support to the families, in helping us to keep society, keep our country safe, and to keep every Guyanese safe. All of Guyana must be grateful for this silent leader who gave of his best. Who sacrificed his life, many times, before the 6th of December in service to people and country,” the President said.
His legacy, President Ali said, will live on. He was also remembered as a man of integrity and intelligence, and a former member of the “elite unit” known as the special forces, which comprised the military’s best and bravest.
“As a soldier, Sean Welcome was the consummate professional, he was a role model for younger soldiers, and subordinate officers. His vast operational experience and steadfast commitment to discipline earned him the respect and admiration of his peers. His service in various units within the Guyana Defence Force attest to his commitment and record of excellence. His expertise in search and rescue mission was one of the reasons why he served with distinction within the Civil Defence Commission. He helped to build the capacity of the CDC to respond to civil disaster,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Colonel Michael Shahoud was remembered as an extraordinary son of the soil, and according to the President “a superhero in uniform.”
“To his wife, your son would grow to know that his father was nothing short of a superhero. We would do everything to ensure that he is remembered and celebrated as a superhero,” the President said.
Colonel Shahoud, the President said, was fearless, efficient, reliable and dedicated to his service to Guyana. His traits, the President said, will live on through his son.
Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, who was posthumously promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2, was remembered by the Chief-of-Staff as a life hero, who demonstrated a profound commitment to his country.
“Throughout his military career, Warrant Officer Class 2 exhibited unwavering dedication, unyielding courage and professionalism. He assented through the ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant – the rank he held at the time of his death, earning each promotion through sheer hard work and profound commitment to his duties. His last promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 was done posthumously. He deserved that. He died defending Guyana. He died on the frontline, doing he was trained to do,” the Chief-of-Staff said.
President Ali also paid tribute to Khan.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Ministers of Government, Members of the Opposition, Members of the Guyana Defence Force, Members of the Judiciary, Speaker of the National Assembly, family and friends were among those who showed up in their numbers to pay their last respects.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, who was also killed in the helicopter crash in Region Seven, was laid to rest on Wednesday. He too was remembered as a legend.
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