–critical EBD highway named in honour of fallen heroes
–road an important link for country’s three counties, President Ali says

THE Eccles to Great Diamond Highway along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor was, on Sunday evening, commissioned and named the Heroes Highway in honour of the the five long-standing servicemen who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash last week.

The new road, which will eventually serve as a critical component of transport infrastructure that links Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara, features a massive roundabout. At the centre, the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s pride and national flag, stretches broadly on the foundation with a replica of a giant anteater mounted atop.

Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, a monumental structure was erected with the names of the five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers who lost their lives: Brigadier Gary Beaton- Project Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Michael Charles, Pilot; Lt. Col. Sean Welcome, Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan of 31 Special Forces Squadron.

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who commissioned the major road network, declared that it will be named the “Heroes Highway” to honour the men who perished.
“We have lost physically some of our finest and when I tell you some of our finest, I mean some of our finest…I’ve known many of them before. But over the last few years, I’ve developed an intense bond with the men and women who serve in the Guyana Defence Force,” the Head of State said in an emotional address.

Last Wednesday, news broke that a GDF chopper Bell 412 went missing near the Venezuelan border; immediately search and rescue teams were mobilised. On Thursday, it was confirmed that five of the seven servicemen onboard the aircraft had perished.

“These men and women are rarely celebrated in our country. For a matter of fact, to be honest with you, they’re rarely acknowledged. It is painfully sad and I found myself over the last three years developing a special kind of bond and respect for them because I know what they do, I know what they sacrifice,” President Ali said.

Family members of the servicemen and ranks of the Joint Services attended the ceremony.
While fighting back tears, the Head of State noted that the work and dedication of the five servicemen will be recognised and honoured.
“These men are nothing short of national heroes …these men lived in honour and sacrifice for this country. Their children must grow up to know that their fathers paid the ultimate price for all of us, every single Guyanese. They must know this sacrifice was not in vain,” the Commander in Chief said.

Meanwhile, in offering comforting words to the families of the fallen soldiers, President Ali assured the commitment of the government and the GDF.
“As the Commander in Chief, you are my family. I will stand by you, stand by their children. As long as I’m here.

“The only way we can show this sacrifice was not in vain is if we collectively come together as Guyanese and realise the one truth, when the storm is against us, it is all of us together who must ride the shipwreck,” he added.
The seven-man team was on a mission to visit troops stationed on the ground at the country’s western border.
During the past few weeks, military presence had been multiplied at that location due to Venezuela’s escalated aggression in the ongoing border controversy with Guyana.

Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson who were also on board the aircraft survived the crash.
A night of honour and reflection will be held this evening at the National Stadium, Providence. Meanwhile, flags across the country are being flown at half-mast until further notice.