Top Cop appeals for leniency, patience

Jul 20, 2015 News

By: Shyon Hoppie

Despondency and gratification was the mixture of emotions that filled the Monument for Fallen Heroes, Eve Leary yesterday as the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud along with the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan led family and other ranks at the annual wreath laying ceremony for police ranks killed in the line of duty.
Even though the rain threatened with an early morning shower, it did not stop the widows, children and other family members from paying homage and honouring the 62 police officers who were killed while carrying out their duties, dating back to the Colonial years.
The event was part of the force’s 177th anniversary observances.
Although no policeman or woman was killed in the line of duty since the last such service in 2014, (Silburn Elias was the last recorded officer who was shot and killed in 2014 while trying to arrest a bandit that had escaped from the Georgetown Public Hospital), a moment of silence was observed by those in attendance for Police Constable Edison Williams, who was crushed by a truck on July 6 while on duty.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan giving his respects to the Heroes gone but not forgotten.

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud paying homage to the officers who lost their lives on duty.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud opened his tribute with the kind words of Francis Marion Crawford, “They fell but over their glorious graves float the banner of the cause they died for.”
In his address he also highlighted the deadly risk that ranks continue to take on a daily basis to secure the nation and begged critics for patience and leniency.
The Police Commissioner explained that when one considers the risk policemen and women take to protect citizens, every effort of support must be put forward.
Persaud also saluted officers who continue to give service to the Force in spite of this risk they face every time they put on a uniform.
He reminded those gathered of the crime spree which prevailed following the 2002 jail break and the high number of ranks who were killed.
“Their legacy is a great memory of great name and their inheritance of great example,” the Commissioner said.
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan joined the Commissioner in committing continued support to offset the suffering of the widows and children of the officers killed in the line of duty.
Ramjattan in his homage said that the officers are fighters of good over evil and although many have fallen. their cause is never a lost one.

The grandsons of a slain police officer lay a wreath at the monument of Fallen Heroes.

He noted that being a lawman is a dangerous profession, therefore respect is due and must be given to the many men and women who put themselves at risk in the line of duty and more so to those who paid the ultimate price for the safety and security of the citizenry.
The Minister however noted that the balance must be maintained between apprehension of suspects and the protection of the rights of the citizens. He called on ranks to carry out their roles in keeping with international standards for policing in-spite of the many challenges they face.
Ramjattan said while the possibility exist that this number of the current 62 ranks could increase overtime due to Drug Trafficking, Illegal guns and organized crimes, every effort must be made to keep it as low as possible.