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Slain cop given fitting send-off
Police Corporal Romain Cleto, who was gunned down in the heart of the city on Saturday evening last was laid to rest yesterday with full military rites.
Cleto was shot and killed at the junction of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, as he attempted to approach a suspicious car which his mobile patrol had trailed, and which was fitted with an obscure number plate. During the incident, two other ranks were injured.
The 25 year-old slain cop’s body was open for viewing yesterday at the Merriman’s Funeral Home. This process got underway around noon and, as was anticipated, the area in and around the Lime Street, Werk-en-Rust location was filled to its capacity, as colleagues, friends and relatives flocked to pay their last respects. There were emotional scenes all around as, apart from relatives, a number of the dead cop’s colleagues wept openly at the sight of his remains in the white casket while others tried to conceal their tears behind dark glasses.
Close relatives were seen consoling each other as they stood close to the casket bearing his body. A woman, who was identified as his sister, after weeping for sometime had to be bodily taken out of the funeral home having fainted. Soon after the dead man’s mother was seen being assisted out of the venue as well and taken to her nearby residence.
Cleto’s reputed wife wept uncontrollably and repeatedly questioned why the father of her daughter had to meet his demise at this time and in such a manner. It was no different for the man’s siblings. Three ranks who were on the patrol with Cleto on the night of the incident, Constables Halley, Persaud and Laundry, evidently could not stand the sight of their dead colleague.
Meanwhile, several top brass of the Guyana Police Force also showed up to pay their respects to the slain cop who was described by many as a very humble man who always wore a smile. Among those present at the home-going ceremony were Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, Commander ‘A’ Division, Derrick Josiah and Head of the Force’s Operations Department, George Vyphuis. Several retired officers who also worked with the slain rank were present to bid farewell.
Commander Josiah, who spoke on behalf of the Force, said that no stone will be left unturned in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Commander hailed Cleto as “a hero who led his team with bravery and by example”.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee also attended the funeral service where he met with relatives of the slain rank and offered his condolences.
After a lengthy viewing and a service filled with moving tributes, the procession was led away from the Funeral Home in the form of a Ceremonial Parade. Cleto’s body was taken to Le Repentir Cemetery where there was a 21-gun salute before interment.
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