Sacrifice will never be forgotten – Walrond on fallen Police heroes

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond on Sunday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as the nation honoured officers who died in the line of duty during the Force’s 187th Anniversary Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Fallen But Not Forgotten Heroes Monument at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Delivering the feature address, Walrond described the ceremony as one of profound national significance, saying it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the Force in the protection of the nation. She said every name engraved on the monument represents a life dedicated to protecting others and a family whose sacrifice can never truly be measured. The Home Affairs Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the GPF through continued investment in training, technology, equipment, infrastructure and operational capacity. According to Walrond, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice must also include ensuring that the men and women who continue to serve are equipped and supported to carry out their duties.

No words could erase grief
Speaking directly to the families of fallen Police Officers, she acknowledged that no words could erase their grief but assured them that the courage, sacrifice and service of their loved ones will forever remain part of the proud history of the GPF and the nation. Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, in his address, described the memorial as more than stone and engraved names, calling it a sacred symbol of devotion, courage and selfless service. He reminded serving ranks that every officer whose name appears on the monument answered the call to duty without knowing whether that shift would be their last, yet served with honour, integrity and unwavering commitment. Quoting renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell, Hicken said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” “These words capture the very essence of why we are gathered here today. They remind us that true heroism is not defined by rank, title, or public recognition, but by a commitment to a cause greater than oneself. It is reflected in the courage to place duty above self, service above comfort, and the safety of others above personal interest. Our fallen heroes embodied these values and it is their sacrifice and legacy that we honour today,” the commissioner stated. Reflecting on the history of the monument, Hicken explained that it was established in 2002 under the leadership of then Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis to permanently honour members of the GPF who lost their lives in the execution of their duties. Since then, he said, the annual wreath-laying ceremony has become one of the Force’s most solemn traditions during its anniversary celebrations.

The Commissioner also said the wreaths laid and the traditional 21-gun salute were more than ceremonial observances. “The wreaths laid today are more than ceremonial gestures. They are symbols of our gratitude and respect. The 21-gun salute reminds us that the service and sacrifice of our fallen colleagues remain forever etched in the memory of this Force and this nation,” he said. Hicken stressed that honouring fallen officers must also include continued support for the families they left behind. “The Guyana Police Force recognises that when a rank dies in the line of duty, the loss is not borne by the Force alone. It is borne by spouses, children, parents, relatives, friends and communities. For this reason, our commitment extends beyond honouring the memory of our fallen heroes; it also includes caring for those they left behind,” he stated. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring that the families of fallen ranks continue to receive meaningful support through welfare programmes, educational assistance and other initiatives.

Welfare efforts
Highlighting the Force’s welfare efforts, Hicken disclosed that during 2025, the GPF sponsored 25 wakes and 25 funeral arrangements for members of the Force. Between January and June 2026, an additional seven wakes and seven funeral arrangements were sponsored. He further revealed that while one Police Officer died in the line of duty in 2025, no officer lost his or her life in the execution of duty during the first half of 2026. The Commissioner added that the Force continues to provide educational assistance for children of fallen ranks and financial support to their beneficiaries. Expressing gratitude to the families of fallen officers, Hicken assured them that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones will forever remain part of the history of the GPF. He also called on serving members to honour the legacy of their fallen colleagues by wearing the uniform with humility, professionalism, compassion and integrity every day. “Let us serve with their courage, let us lead with their integrity and let us stand by their commitment,” he urged. He added, “Though our fallen heroes are no longer among us, their courage still marches beside us, their example still guides us, and their legacy still lives in every officer who proudly serves the people of Guyana.”

Educational, welfare assistance
Chairman of the GPF’s Fallen But Not Forgotten Heroes Foundation Inc, Reverend Dr Winston Assanah, said the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that the families of fallen officers are never forgotten. He noted that since its establishment in 2015, the Foundation has invested millions of dollars in educational and welfare assistance for children whose parents made the ultimate sacrifice. Continuing that commitment, assistance was presented to nine families, benefiting 14 children.
Sunday’s ceremony ended with the sounding of the bugle, the traditional 21-gun salute and a period of silent reflection, as Government officials, members of the GPF, the Joint Services and relatives paid tribute to officers whose service and sacrifice continue to be honoured by the nation.