Guyana honours fallen servicemen with monument in Base Camp Ayanganna

Georgetown, Guyana: The nation honours five fallen servicemen who lost their lives in the fatal Bell 412 Helicopter (AR-AYA) crash, unveiling a monument on the front lawns of Base Camp Ayanganna.

It is to be noted that the monument features photos of the fallen heroes, a map of Guyana and an aerial scene from Guyana’s hinterland.

The soldiers who lost their lives in the air crash are as follows,

– Colonel Michael Shahoud

– Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome

– Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton

– Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles

– Warrant Officer Class Two Jason Khan

Their legacies and sacrifices can never be forgotten, as the monument is built to recognise the bravery, dedication and services of the fallen soldiers.

The family members, friends and other dignitaries gathered at the Guyana National Stadium on Monday to honour the five GDF members. The event was held under the theme “Honouring Our Fallen Heroes.”

Notably, the government has announced that the Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway will be renamed in memory of the five GDF officers.

Details of Air Crash

The five soldiers of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Bell 412 helicopter died after the aircraft crashed in the jungle. The helicopter initially disappeared on Wednesday between Arau and Ekereku in Region Seven.

Fortunately, Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford survived the crash. The rescue mission team, including four teams, made an arrangement to rescue the survivors and the dead bodies from the scene.

It is to be noted that GDF’s Chief of Staff gave a statement that the persons onboard were going to Arau, which was located at the country’s western border with Venezuela.

He further said that the helicopter had stopped at Olive Creek in Region Seven to refuel, and shortly after taking off, contact was lost with the chopper and its crew onboard.

The autopsies revealed that GDF soldiers died from burns and multiple injuries. The autopsies were done by the government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh and witnessed by a senior official of the Guyana Police Force.

It is to be added in police’s remarks that Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton’s body was burnt, but he was identified through his “upper front dentures.”

The officials further said that DNA samples were taken from the burned victims and their relatives, and as a result, their bodies were thereafter handed over to them.