PM Phillips pays tribute to Justice Small, Lt Col Warde at funeral services
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips attended the funeral service for the late Justice, (Ret’d) Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small, Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) on Tuesday, at the Freedom Congressional Church in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired), Mark Phillips speaking at Justice, (Retired) Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small (CCH) funeral on Tuesday
In his tribute, the Prime Minister, who is performing the functions of President, honoured Justice Small as a legal giant whose legacy exemplifies discipline, service and justice.
He noted that Justice Small upheld the law and led by example not only in the courtroom but also within the military ranks and religious community, adding that his dedicated service will continue to inspire judges, soldiers, and leaders for generations to come.
Justice Small devoted his career to public service, beginning as a Magistrate in the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Magisterial District before assuming the role of Registrar of the Supreme Court in the late 1970s. He was appointed a High Court Judge in 1986 and served until his retirement in 1999.
His contributions extended beyond the judiciary, as he held key positions as Judge Advocate of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) until 2022 and Chair of the Parole Board from 2004 to 2021. Additionally, he served as a long-time pastor at Smith Memorial Congregational Church.
In recognition of his exceptional service to Guyana, Justice Small was conferred with the CCH – Guyana’s third highest national award, in May 2018.
Distinguished military career
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister attended the funeral service of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Fitzroy Warde on Tuesday at the Brickdam Cathedral.
During the service, Prime Minister Phillips, paid tribute to Lt. Col. Warde’s distinguished military career and unwavering service to the nation. The prime Minister described him as a mentor, a patriot, and a guardian of Guyana’s security, highlighting his significant contributions to the GDF.
Enlisting in 1984, Lt. Col. Warde rose steadily through the ranks, holding several key leadership positions including Commanding Officer of the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions, the Coast Guard, and Special Forces.
He also served as Base Commander at Camp Ayanganna and as a Civil Military Officer at Defence Headquarters. His expertise in military operations, border security, and training significantly shaped the GDF’s readiness and strategic development.
For his exceptional service to Guyana, Lt. Col. Warde was awarded the 25th and 40th Anniversary Medal: the Border Defence Medal, and the Military Efficiency Medal.
