General Colin Powell will be remembered for his courage, integrity – Ambassador Hinds

Guyana’s Ambassador in Washington, DC, Samuel Hinds, has joined in on the outpouring of condolences following the passing of former Secretary of State, General Colin Luther Powell.
The American statesman, diplomat and four-star general died on Monday from complications caused by COVID-19 in the United States of America. He was 84 years old at the time.
General Powell had four decades of public service in the US, holding several top posts including Secretary of State and National Security Adviser. He was also a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In a missive on Thursday, extending sympathies to the grieving Powell family, and the Government and people of the US, Ambassador Hinds said his family should find solace, comfort and strength during this difficult time in his abundance of achievements throughout his life.
“General Colin Powell served the United States of America with dignity and distinction on the American and World Stage to which he rose; his wisdom, forthrightness, professionalism, integrity, kindness and passion were notable,” Hinds posited.

The Guyanese diplomat related that the contributions of General Powell, who was a son of Caribbean immigrants, justifies and commends the words of open doors and welcome at the base of the Statue of Liberty for which so many from the Caribbean and further, must be thankful. He added that the people of the US can also be justly proud of this.
“General Colin Powell will be sorely missed. May we remember him in his legacy of courage and integrity on American national security and public service that will continue to inspire many in America and worldwide,” Hinds stated in the missive.
According to reports in the US, General Powell had been vaccinated and was due to receive his booster shot but this had to be postponed after he had fallen ill and was being treated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Maryland, where he died.
Powell was a pathbreaker, using his 35-year military experience to serve in some of the country’s top positions. He was the US’ first African-American and 65th Secretary of State, serving from 2001 to 2005. He was also the first Black National Security Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
A memorial service has been organised for the retired Army General on November 5 at the Washington National Cathedral.