DECEMBER 7, 2023, will forever be among the saddest days in this country’s history. This is the day that Guyana lost five decorated and experienced servicemen in a single blow.
This tragedy, which claimed the lives of Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton; Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, highlights the risks servicemen and women often take to keep us all safe.

It also leaves no doubt as to their loyalty to Guyana and their willingness to protect Guyanese and defend the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, no matter the cost. Sadly, the cost for them, their families and this nation this time around, was heartbreakingly high.
This incident occurred at a time when Guyana is under threat from its neighbour to the west. Venezuela, which is laying claim to Guyana’s entire Essequibo region without justification and has signalled their intent on multiple occasions since the December 3 referendum that they are prepared to carry out those threats.

Guyana’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, has already assured this nation that this will not be allowed to happen; that this Co-operative Republic intends to defend herself.
International allies have publicly indicated their support and willingness to come to Guyana’s defence. They have denounced Venezuela’s tactics and have urged the Spanish-speaking nation to follow the Rule of Law and abide by the orders and decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The quintet and two others – Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson, were heading to an area close to the Guyana-Venezuela border to support the troops who are there, when the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell 412 helicopter they were in crashed. The area is isolated and surrounded by thick forest.
What occurred over the next 48 hours to find the crash site and extract the seven military men was nothing short of commendable.

Highly trained and experienced search-and-rescue experts took to the skies but were unfortunately hampered by bad weather on the first day. On the second day, they were relentless in their efforts to locate the missing men. Again, they were faced with bad weather but they did not give up. They kept their eyes on the mission, which was to find the missing men.
Despite the circumstances and the uncertainties, many persons put their lives on the line to find those who were missing, again demonstrating that they are willing to risk their lives for the country and her citizens.

Many parts of Guyana’s interior are inaccessible by land, given the thick vegetation, the absence of inhabitants and roads, and abundance of rough terrain. The air, in most instances, is the best or most convenient mode of transportation.
The response of the Special Forces team and others who participated in the search-and-rescue mission is evidence that Guyana is well-equipped to handle emergencies of this kind, even in unfavourable weather conditions.

Despite the team’s ability to conduct the mission, investment in more resources and additional pieces of equipment should be considered. The government has already said that no effort will be spared to enhance Guyana’s capacity in every regard, so there is no doubt that plans are already underway to increase resources as part of the overarching development agenda.