…tribute to a man who lived, served in unyielding commitment to excellence – Edghill
In recognition of his unwavering commitment and service to the project, the Guyana Government on Thursday dedicated the newly-rehabilitated Eteringbang Airstrip in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to the late Brigadier Gary Beaton.
Officially renamed the “Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome”, this critical piece of infrastructure – located near the Guyana-Venezuela border – was upgraded to the tune of $688.8 million. 
Brigadier Beaton was one of five soldiers who lost their lives in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter crash in December 2023.
It was under his guidance as Commander of the Engineering Corp, that works commenced in July 2022 to rehabilitate the airstrip, which was in a deplorable state and had restricted travel, economic progress and other opportunities within the region.
According to Project Engineer, Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli, “this airstrip was a dry-weather surface in a tropical forest where it rains almost every day.” As it deteriorated over the years, he explained that it became a disaster to utilise.
Now upgraded to an all-weather and 24-hour-access aerodrome, this airstrip – which features 610 metres of concrete runway with a design life of over 20 years – is expected to revitalise the lives of members of the Eteringbang community.
Delivering remarks at the dedication ceremony was Public Works Minister Juan Edghill who explained that the renaming of this airstrip in honour of the late Brigadier Beaton is more than a symbolic gesture.
“It is tribute to a man who lived and served in unyielding commitment to excellence. It is also a celebration of a collaborative effort to transform this vital piece of infrastructure into a modern, resilient one that will serve generations to come,” he noted.
Collaboration was key to the realisation of this project and the role of members from the community was acknowledged.
According to Edghill, the project was made possible through efforts from the staff of the ministry, ranks of the GDF, private contractors as well as community members who provided logistical support.
“The remoteness of Eteringbang required innovative solutions such as using portable equipment transported by skyvans,” he explained, noting that some equipment had to be disassembled and flown-in in sections, and then reassembled.
Edghill also explained that there were challenges with material shortages. Nevertheless, he outlined that many of these obstacles were mitigated by the strategic planning of the late Brigadier Beaton.
Tribute to excellence
“Gary Beaton was a master at making difficult things easy,” Edghill expressed.
In this regard, he emphasised that the newly-rehabilitated airstrip is more than just an infrastructure upgrade, but rather, a reflection of the late Brigadier Beaton’s values.
“[It] serves as a beacon of progress, a tribute to excellence and an enduring symbol of what we can achieve together,” he noted.
Recognising the challenges that were overcome by all those involved in the project, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that honours should be given to those who saw it come to reality.
“I believe that too often we do not recognise properly the service that is given and I would say that the appropriate border medal should be given to all those who served on this project in this important border location,” the Head of State announced.
At the dedication ceremony, the President also announced the commencement of a new project to be executed under the Public Works Ministry for the construction of a 450ft by 250ft all-purpose tarmac that will primarily be used for the safe parking of aircraft.
He also announced that the government will be restoring the community contractors for the maintenance of the airstrip.
President Ali further announced the rollout of a number of agricultural projects that will benefit the community.
He also announced that Men on Mission (MOM) will start construction of a much-needed fence for a school in the village. Moreover, the president said he will instruct a team from the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) to visit the area before the end of next week with the aim of establishing well.
Additionally, he assured that a health centre in the community will become operational soon.
Against this backdrop, he emphasised that the enhanced connectivity that will come from this airstrip will open up more opportunities for the communities in Region Seven.
“This facility would now lead to many other developments in the community,” the Head of State expressed, noting that the previous airstrip was in such a deplorable condition that it caused significant restrictions.
His legacy
Member of Parliament Jennifer Westford, the widow of the late Brigadier Beaton, also delivered an address at the ceremony, recalling that her husband had spent “hours upon hours of his waking time, thinking and working out the challenges of this particular project. This project really was on his mind.”
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan also reflected on Brigadier Beaton’s dedication to service, noting that “he was my senior throughout my military career and I’m honoured to call him not only my senior, but my brother.”
“His legacy will live on at one of our most important border locations,” Brigadier Khan further remarked.
The airstrip has long been a cornerstone to Region Seven, serving a community of over 850 residents and supporting a number of activities including mining operations. It attracted about 15-25 flights daily during its peak.
Currently, the airstrip can accommodate all aircraft operating on the local aviation market except the Beechcraft.
The rehabilitation of this airstrip is one of some 30 projects undertaken by the GDF Engineering Corp, in keeping with the President’s vision for the army to be more integrally involved in national development.
Moreover, the rehabilitation of the airstrip is part of the government’s plan to improve and expand hinterland travel. The Kaieteur, Paruima, Orinduik, and Kaikan airstrips are all part of that expansion programme.
Meanwhile, Brigadier Beaton held various significant posts in the GDF, including Commanding Officer of the Four Engineers Battalion, Commander of the Engineer Corps (CORE), Adjunct General, and Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve. He served in capacities at the First Infantry Battalion, Intelligence Corps (CORE), and Defence Headquarters. Throughout his years of service, Brigadier Beaton received numerous accolades, including the Border Defence, Military Efficiency, and anniversary medals (25th, 40th, and 50th), along with the Military Service Medal.
On December 6 last year, the 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 refuelling, 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. Those who also lost their lives in the crash are Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles, and Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome.
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”. (G11)
