AFC Mourns Loss of Fallen Soldiers. “They were the best of us”

The Alliance For Change (AFC) joins with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the entire nation of Guyana to mourn the loss of our soldiers, our sons, our fathers, husbands, brothers, and friends: Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Charles, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier, Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome and Sergeant Jason Khan.

Theirs were lives dedicated to the selfless service of the nation, a service of distinction, as no doubt each would readily go beyond the call of duty, now to a higher service. These five of our finest ‘laid their bones on your shore. This soil so they hallowed and from them are we’, in the tenor of our National Anthem. We will forever remember their steadfast dedication and commitment to the uniform they wore.

They were the best of us. We are heartbroken and overwhelmed by this tragic loss, yet thankful that Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford are still with us. We pray for their speedy and full recovery; we pray for strength for the families of the bereaved. We will long remember that it was in the line of duty at a seminal moment in our nation’s history that they were willing to stand on the vanguard, and may we carry on in their courage.