Emotional farewell as final 4 servicemen laid to rest

By LaWanda McAllister

In the hushed corridors of grief, Guyana embarked on a heart-wrenching journey to bid farewell to the remaining four revered members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), whose lives were tragically lost in a harrowing helicopter crash on December 6.
The sorrow-laden ceremony unfolded on Friday, drawing a sea of mourners, encompassing family, friends, and dignitaries, including President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Colonel Michael ‘Azar’ Shahoud, a bastion of loyalty, was the first to be laid to rest. The day dawned with a private service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Brickdam, Georgetown at 07:00h.
The cortege, a solemn procession marked by military precision, then traversed to the Memorial Gardens Crematorium and Funeral Home at Princes Street, Georgetown, for the final act of reverence.
President Ali, with his voice laden with emotion, paid tribute to Col Shahoud’s unwavering dedication, sharing poignant anecdotes that spoke to the soldier’s commitment to the village of Arau near the Venezuelan border.
“Mike was more than a soldier; he was a symbol of nationhood, a tower of strength,” the President reflected.
The President praised the departed hero for his unwavering loyalty and composed leadership. Ali emphasised that Shahoud set a compelling example, skilfully harmonising firm leadership with a genuine sense of empathy and compassion.
“He cultivated a culture where discipline was not just a rule, but a way of life. Yet, he was no autocrat, instead of wielding authority with an iron fist, he balanced discipline with empathy, fostering mutual respect and understanding,” the President added.

Lieutenant Col Sean Welcome
The farewell continued with Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome at the Promenade Gardens – an arena now imbued with a heavy-hearted atmosphere. President Ali, recognising the silent sacrifices made by these heroes, eulogised Welcome as a “visionary military strategist” and a selfless patriot.
He remarked, “While many commentators have the luxury to make posts, these silent heroes are actually doing it.”
The Head of State noted that these accomplishments speak to Welcome’s commendable intentions to double his contributions to national defence and development.
“He was a forward-thinking man. Our nation is poorer for his passing, and this is why we are crestfallen at his demise. The grief we bear is not only for the loss of a remarkable individual but for the unrealised influence he could have had on shaping the future,” the President said.
The ceremony unveiled the layers of Welcome’s service, from expanding the National Reserve to his valiant efforts on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brigadier Omar Khan, GDF Chief of Staff, echoed sentiments of gratitude, stating, “Our military comprises silent heroes. Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome represents that.”

Ret’d Brig Gary Beaton
Brigadier Gary Beaton’s service was also held at the Promenade Gardens and encapsulated a narrative of resilience and exemplary service.
President Ali, in a heartfelt reflection, celebrated Beaton’s unwavering character, “He rose above every single challenge; that is worth celebrating.”
The President said the late Brigadier conducted himself and lived his life in an exemplary manner that others should mirror. He noted that Beaton came up with an idea of community orientation, using the engineering corps to build trust and confidence in the communities through the involvement of people, to create respect and bring positivity to the GDF.
“During his outstanding military career, the late Brigadier Gary Beaton was honoured with several prestigious awards for his service to the country’s armed forces included among these, is the border defence medal, recognising his exceptional contributions to safeguarding our national borders and he died still doing this,” the President stated.
During his career spanning more than three decades, Brig Beaton was decorated with the Border Defence, Military Efficiency, 25th, 40th, and 50th-anniversary Medals and Military Service Medals.
He was commissioned on August 26, 1987, and also completed several military courses locally and abroad. The crowd, immersed in the gravity of the moment, bore witness to the culmination of Beaton’s decades-long career in service to the nation.

Warrant Officer 2 Jason Khan
Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan, a courageous and distinguished patriot who served with unwavering commitment until his untimely departure earlier this month, was the last to be laid to rest on Friday.
In paying a final tribute to Khan, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali acknowledged his exceptional contributions to the GDF and reflected on the outstanding qualities that defined him.
President Ali described him as the Guyanese version of Rambo, highlighting his roles as a paratrooper, platoon commander, and a trained commando, placing him among the best of the best in the country’s armed forces.
President Ali emphasised Khan’s sublime and superb military skills, stating, “Jason Khan was a son of Guyana, his love for Guyana was limitless, and he was on a mission to protect Guyana when he died.”
Despite the difficulty of the moment, Khan’s family expressed a sense of fulfilment rather than anger, understanding and celebrating the crucial role he played in safeguarding Guyana. President Ali commended the family, noting, “This is a family that understands what service and duty are.”
Highlighting Khan’s fearlessness and belief in a cause larger than life, the Commander-in-Chief acknowledged him as a child of God and a strong believer whose faith provided strength in the face of adversity. He called for healing comfort to envelop Khan’s family during this challenging time.
Jason Khan, a multifaceted individual, was not only a dedicated military professional but also a skilled sportsman, excelling in basketball. His service extended beyond the call of duty, taking on roles as a Storeman in 31 SF Sqn, a Regimental Quarter Master in the Intelligence Corps, and earning a Certificate in Electrical Installation at the Government Technical Institute.
Khan’s military journey, from his enlistment on March 11, 2005, to his recent achievements, showcase his continuous pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Decorated with honours such as the 40th and 50th Anniversary Medals, Khan’s chest bore witness to his dedicated service on significant occasions in the history of the GDF.
After the funeral at the Promenade Gardens, the Warrant Officer was taken to the Memorial Gardens Crematorium for his cremation.
These funerals came two days after the nation bid farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, known affectionately as Mike Charles, who was among the five officers who lost their lives in the helicopter crash. Only two men survived.
They were Corporal Dwayne Jackson, and Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford.
Col Charles, who served in the GDF for some 40 years, was the pilot of the helicopter which crashed in the dense jungle of Guyana, while on a mission to deliver supplies to troops.
The Bell 412 aircraft left GDF Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna on the day in question and travelled to Olive Creek.
Immediately after contact was lost with the aircraft, search and rescue teams, alongside Guyana’s Special Forces, were deployed into the deep jungle between Arau and Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The GDF helicopter had transmitted an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal. It was announced a day later that five of the seven ranks on the aircraft perished.
The ceremonies on Friday unfolded with meticulous military choreography—poignant processions, slow marches, and the rhythmic cadence of drums. The streets transformed into a sombre theatre, bore witness to tearful patrons expressing sorrow, their silent tributes etched in the collective consciousness.
The Golden Arrowhead, draped ceremoniously around the caskets, symbolised a nation’s profound gratitude for the selfless service rendered by these fallen heroes. As wreaths were tenderly placed, families, overcome with grief, bid their last farewells.
At the end of this heartrending chapter, Guyana stands united in honouring and remembering the sacrifice of these valiant servicemen. Their legacy, etched in the minds of a grieving nation, serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of duty and the indomitable spirit of those who choose to defend and protect.