LAURIE Leyland Lewis: Commissioner of Police, Statesman, Director General, Military Master, Military Genius, Intelligence Specialist, Crime Detector, lawyer, Head of National Guard Services, Administrative Specialist, Lecturer and Teacher, Security Consultant, Patriot, Creator of Police Impact, Creator of Tracor, Child of and Believer in God. Dearest Friend, This great, impressive and imposing figure of a man, who was simple, yet firm; kind, but tough when toughness was needed; this Man who walked the soils of this country and this earth, and has left his mark in the annals of history, as one of the most professional Commissioners of Police in Guyana ever; never vindictive; ever loving; leaves the living to join his God and his ancestors, having fulfilled destiny.
To those who knew this gentleman called Laurie Lewis, he was no ordinary run-of-the-mill Commissioner, bugged and hemmed by ego and power, but he was known as one who listened; who asked for advice; who consulted with people. He was a Commissioner who knew that the Commissioner’s Office is the Commissioner and hence, never wielded his powers indiscriminately or with favour but, with the law in mind, he would help all he could, never forgetting the responsibilities of the office as a professional, and always with the human side of reality in mind. Laurie Lewis never allowed the power of his office to cloud his judgment and alienate himself from humanity, the ordinary people, and from God.
This gentleman was more of a father figure to this writer. He would counsel and guide, and even when retired, he would call and give support and good wishes when that was needed. Never a friend of the dishonest, the criminal, the crooks of society, the politically deceitful and political misguided, always guided by the law.
Just a few weeks ago he called to say: “Roshan, even though I do not see you, I just called to wish you well and let you know that you are always in my mind.”
As I shed the tears in thoughts of this great indomitable spirit of a man, while writing, I recalled how many times I referred to him as Father, God-father, my Spiritual Dad, not having grown up with a father. He was shocked when I told him that he gave me more in life than my own father, and showed more love than my own father and opened opportunities not realising he was, by just fulfilling his professional duties in a kind, humane way, helped me in life. This is why I would bow to this spirit, kiss his hand and bid him farewell as he leaves to see our Greater Father, and be with his Eternal Lord and Creator. He was a believer and worshipped his God, and respected all that was worshipped in various forms.
Laurie Leyland Lewis believed in nature, and spoke to nature and respects the trees, the herbs and plants, and knew that they had their own spirits, and he would heal with them as he conversed with them. He was much a farmer, respecting the powers of the earth, which produced food, and loved to grow his own food, and pick his own fruits.
He had a private collection of exotic animals, which was not for entertainment, but for caring, in which he healed them, and they healed him. He fed them and loved them, and they were like one soul.
He invented the concept of Police Impact Unit, which was dynamic and progressive. It brought voluntary citizenry and police to work together to enhance police patrols and response, to apprehend perpetrators of crime, and for prevention. Such was his vision, and it was most successful. The Impact Unit which drove fear and terror into criminals, and peace into the hearts of citizens.
He invented the concept of ‘Tracor,’ and caused accidents to decline like never in history, with drivers fulfilling the three Cs:  Care, Courtesy and Caution.
The name alone drove fear into those who drove under the influence of alcohol, and speeding, the main causes of death on the road.
Laurie Lewis understood the importance of associations, and blessed the Guyana Association of Private Security Organisations. He became consultant and friend, and honorary, lifetime member of GAPSO. He knew he could not think of it all, and being one of the few Commissioners, not overcome by power and ego, as I said above:  “He listened,” with this in mind he would see GAPSO leadership (Founder Members) once monthly for guidance, consultancy, and find ways for the Guyana Police and GAPSO to work and support each other. This is the science of the mind of Laurie Lewis.  He would have all security agencies provide volunteers during times of need: vehicles and manpower.
When we have a need such as quick processing of Supernumerary Constables he had systems set to facilitate us as he knew the psychology of security services, having been the Founder and Head of the National Guard Service, he knew the troubles of security services, and even of their importance, understanding how it helps in crime-fighting and law enforcement.
Laurie Lewis was so successful a Commissioner, that despite the change of government in 1992, his appointment was kept for more than a decade, despite the fact that he was appointed by a PNC Government. On the contrary, he served his nation and the government with utmost professionalism, and never tolerated misbehaviour during political events by those who appointed him in the first instance.
This magnificent man, this great human being, this Patriot, this Law Enforcer and Crime fighter, this military genius and Master, this Spiritual Man, and Child and worshipper of God, this lawyer, this Intelligence Specialist, this Commissioner, this gentleman, this friend, Laurie Leyland Lewis was as successful as he was because he saw the big picture, knew he had to return to civilian life one day, knew the powers of people’s love and support, knew to bring support of people to the Guyana Police Force and get those useful to be intelligence gatherers for the police. He knew that despite all the years of service to the nation and the Police Force, when one retires from the Force, the Force forgets you. Yes, it forgets you.
Laurie Leyland Lewis will live in the hearts of professional policemen and women, and all good citizens for all time. His name will be etched in the annals of history, and he has definitely left footprints in the sands of time.