5 fallen GDF heroes embodied patriotism, good citizenship – President Ali

– as memorial service hosted 1 year after fatal helicopter crash

Describing the loss of the five fallen Guyana Defense Force (GDF) officers who perished in a helicopter crash last year as one that cuts deep, President Dr. Irfaan Ali praised the example set by the five fallen heroes, of what service, patriotism and a good citizen represents.

At a memorial service on Sunday at the Umana Yana to mark one year since the fatal crash on December 8, 2023, President Ali paid tribute to the five heroes – retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonels Michael Charles, Michael Shahoud and Sean Welcome and Warrant Officer Class 2 Jason Khan. He urged those in attendance to remember not only the heroes but what they died for.
“I want to remind all of us and Guyana, that these men were on a mission at a time when we were facing our greatest security threat as a country. And they were on a mission in response to that threat. They were on a mission to support an integral part of our operational readiness, during this period of immense threat to our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Ali said.
“They were on a mission to exercise their oath of office, to protect every square inch of Guyana and every Guyanese. And we must not forget, for one moment, the period that this accident took place and the circumstances surrounding that period. And what their mission was. That is why their loss is magnified in unbelievable ways and is deep and connected to our national sovereignty and defense.”
According to President Ali, the five heroes will always be remembered as “national heroes, whose legacy will endure for generations to come”. The men’s service, like so many brave soldiers and officers in the GDF, represented a shield for ordinary Guyanese from external threats, as well as part of Guyana’s foundation.
“Their tragic loss reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by those who wear the uniform. It’s easy to take for granted the peace and stability we enjoy. But the peace often comes at a high cost, a cost borne by brave men and women like retired Brigadier Beaton, Colonel Shahoud, Lt. Colonel Charles and Welcome and Warrant Officer Khan.”
“Their service was a shield for us all. And their sacrifice strengthens the foundations of our nation. The price of peace is often paid in sacrifice and commitment. For nations, peace demands investment in diplomacy, defense and the well-being of citizens. Often requiring brave individuals to stand as guardians against forces that threaten security,” he added.
President Ali also shared a personal aside, when he praised the bravery and patriotism, he has had the privilege of witnessing close-up as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. According to the President, he now regrets never joining the GDF himself.
“I will say that I regret that I never signed up or joined the military. Because I have seen the level of commitment, discipline and love for our country, that is unbelievable. And I am proud every day, to be a part of the lives of these men and women and to see, from a front seat, their work every day.”
“These five men gave everything. But remembrance alone is not enough. The best way to honour their memory is to continue the mission they so valiantly undertook. We must strive to make our country safe, from all forms of external and internal threats. This is not a task for the GDF alone. It is a collective responsibility that requires a commitment from everyone.”
National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, other heads of the Joint Service, and government officials also joined with family and friends of the five soldiers to pay tribute at the Umana Yana.
On December 6 last year, a Bell 412 helicopter, with registration 8R-AYA, had left GDF Headquarters at Camp Ayanganna at 09:24h, and travelled 144 miles to Olive Creek, where it arrived at 10:27h. After refueling, the helicopter departed at 10:58h for a 58-mile journey to Arau, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) near Guyana’s border with Venezuela.
However, contact was lost with the aircraft shortly after. Based on reports, the helicopter suffered significant damage. As a result of the crash, retired Brigadier Beaton, Lieutenant Colonels Charles, Shahoud and Welcome and Warrant Officer Class 2 Khan lost their lives.
Two soldiers survived the crash: Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford.
The GDF had said the chopper was on a command trip to Arau, Macapa, and Eteringbang, as part of Guyana’s response to an “imminent threat to our territory”. (G-3)