THE Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc. of the Guyana Police Force on Friday morning presented monetary donations to the spouses of ranks who died in the line of duty.

The presentation ceremony took place at Police Officer’s Mess, Eve Leary, Georgetown in the presence of Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and members of the Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc.

The wives of nine policemen killed on the job were presented with cheques which will go towards the welfare of 20 children.

The initiative was the brainchild of Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud who told the gathering that the Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc. is independent from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) but that they have a working relationship.

He added that the work of the organisation is strictly voluntary and out of the pockets of the members, who would visit the relatives/children of the cops killed in the line of duty to assess their needs.

The Top Cop related that sometimes the GPF would provide transportation for members but most times they have to fund their travelling expenses to the various communities in which the children of the slain cops reside.

He stated that he is however, pleased that the records of the organisation are being audited which speak volumes of transparency, since whatever funds garnered goes directly towards the children of the policemen who died in the line of duty.

The Commissioner said that the work of the organisation is important because it is being run by a businessman and several religious leaders, who keep the accounts going by generating funds and their work is not influenced by the GPF in any way.

Persaud added that press coverage of the event can help win support for the continuance of the Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc. and said that when he retires in a few weeks, he will join hands with the organisation to help raise funds for the children. He stated that members of the organisation would meet with the wives/children of the slain cops every term to discuss their needs.

Persaud noted that members make do with whatever donations they receive to assist the wives of the slain cops, in outfitting their children for school by providing school and lesson fees and snacks for their lunch kits.

Chairman of the Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc., Pastor Raphael Massiah, in remarks noted that the organisation, an initiative of the Commissioner, was formed in the last quarter of 2015.
He explained that the idea came about after the Top Cop would have watched his colleagues/officers cut down in the line of duty and he wanted to do something to assist in the welfare of the children who were left behind.

He noted that with the Foundation would meet with every family to assess their needs, provide counselling services and try to get an understanding of their way of life and their difficulties. He said that one child was gifted with a laptop to assist in the writing of CXC.

Pastor Massiah expressed gratitude to the donors, especially President David Granger who made a contribution of $1M, as well as members of the GPF and others.

Massiah said they are in the process of having the accounts of 2015/2016 audited and with that they stand ready to assist the beneficiaries in whatever they can.