ON behalf of the Board of Directors, executives and members of The Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc. its Guyana and Toronto Chapter, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, his fellow law-enforcement comrades on the passing of Assistant Commissioner Derrick Josiah. His demise was received with great sadness. However, all is not lost. I had the opportunity in meeting with him while he was stationed in Berbice, as commander. 

There isn’t much we can say or do to ease the pain of separation from his dear family members, his law-enforcement comrades and all those whom he had a relationship with. However, please take comfort in knowing that our prayers and thoughts are with his entire family and friends during this very difficult time. We recognise that there is much pain involved in letting go of someone so dear to them and so loved by them all. We encourage them to surrender their pains to the feet of God Almighty, knowing that God is capable of and will remove the pain of separation.  So let’s celebrate his life and legacy in a meaningful way. He has touched the lives of many with his profession, kindness and compassion.

Additionally, be assured in knowing that God loves them. He is holding out His arms to comfort each of them at this critical juncture of their lives, and that our collective prayers to God will strengthen their hearts to find the solace they truly deserve for him being such a compassionate and caring person, especially to his family, friends and all those who he has touched with his genuine love. “Not how did he die, but how did he live – Not what did he gain, but what did he give.”

He was one of those extraordinary people who will never be forgotten in a lifetime. His life was like a sunbeam that lit up the world around him, his family and friends. Now that he is not physically here with us, we can bask in the rainbow of his loving memories that will live forever in our hearts. “Death ends a relationship, but not love.”

No, it won’t be the same without him by any means, but we will go on as best as we can and look forward to the day we will meet him again in eternity. We shower his entire family, friends and his law-enforcement comrades with our prayers and trust each of them will draw strength from God, their many spiritual friends and family who want to help you through this very difficult time.

We may not ever understand why he died. For many years he took good care of everyone. It was so tough to stay so strong, the road he travelled hard and long. But now he has gone to walk a beat on some gold-paved heavenly street. The angels will rest well forever and we will take comfort together. Lay down your burdens one by one – the time for healing has begun. In memory we love you still and you know that we always will Derrick.

PANDIT SURESH SUGRIM