Commemorative stamp launched in honour of legendary Guyanese aviator

A commemorative stamp worth $500 was launched on Thursday in honour of the late Captain Major Roland DaSilva at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.
Captain DaSilva was the first Guyanese to join British Guiana Airways and obtain both commercial and instrument rating pilot licences. His pivotal role in Guyana’s commercial aviation and his courageous actions during the Rupununi uprising in 1969 earned him the esteemed Cacique Crown of Valour in 1971, a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country.

With a career spanning 1953 to 2006, Captain DaSilva amassed an impressive 36,151 flying hours over 49 years, solidifying his place in both Guyanese and international aviation history as a strategic leader and a consummate professional.
Reflecting on the stamp’s creation, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan paid tribute to DaSilva’s remarkable life and achievements, emphasising his enduring impact as a great Guyanese and hero.
“I thank him [Major DaSilva]… Major DaSilva’s act of bravery allowed for the eventual uninterrupted and smooth handover of national and correct territory,” he explained.
Roland DaSilva Jr expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon his father while recalling his father’s emotional reaction upon learning of the tribute before his passing in August 2023. Despite residing in the United States, he said, his father’s unwavering love for Guyana remained steadfast.
“It’s an honour… it’s a few things that a country can do to show their appreciation that will be etched in history and a stamp is definitely one of them… he was able to get the news that it was going to happen… I’ve seen him cry three times in my life and his reaction to it is etched in my brain for life,” he said.

The captain’s wife, Jennifer DaSilva, thanked all those involved in the commemoration and underscored the profound significance of the moment.
Meanwhile, acting Post Master Tiffany Williams highlighted the pride of the Guyana Post Office Corporation in collaborating with the Guyana Defence Force to honour Captain DaSilva’s legacy through the production of the stamp – the first commemorative stamp of the year. It will be available to the public from February 26.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, performing the duties of President, lauded Captain DaSilva’s military mind and his exceptional ability to plan successful operations with the Guyana Defence Force, underscoring his invaluable service to the nation and his unparalleled bravery, which earned him the highest honour in the Order of Service of Guyana, the Cacique Crown of Valour.
In commemorating Captain DaSilva’s legacy, Guyana pays tribute to a true pioneer and patriot whose memory will forever be enshrined in the hearts of its people.