Slain Detective’s family says thanks

Nov 04, 2015 News

“NYPD funded the funeral”- Randolph Holder Snr.

The mourning period is not over for the Holder family in the United States as well as the Lovell family in Guyana following the shooting death of Guyana born NYPD rank, Randolph Holder Jnr. In fact, days after the interment of his body in Guyana, the wound remains fresh for those whom the late NYPD, Detective touched.
“He is at peace and he would have been happy as we are, amidst our grief, at the way Guyana turned out as did the many members of the NYPD who traveled all the way to Guyana to see him off,” said Bonita Montague, one of the organizers of the funeral in Guyana.
Herself, a migrant who once served in the Guyana Police Force, she said “We are even more happy to be wearing the Guyana flag anywhere in the world following the support and outpouring of Guyana for the funeral that proves to the world that no matter where we go, we are a united Guyanese people.”
These were the echoed sentiments of the relatives of the slain NYPD officer yesterday at a news conference held at the Guyana Marriott.
They expressed gratitude to all of Guyana, including President David Granger, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and Mayor Hamilton Green.

Members of the Holder family and supporters including his Grandmother Elizabeth Holder at center.

In the presence of other persons, Randolph Holder Snr. made it clear that Elizabeth Griffith, the grandmother with whom Holder was entrusted after her daughter passed “will be taken care of.”
Holder snr. as well as the late cop’s brothers Kellon and Prince expressed gratitude, especially to Social Activist Mark Benschop for his unwavering organizing and logistical support towards making sure the send off was as grand as it was.
When quizzed about who is footing the bill for the local funeral, the family was high in its praise to the Guyana Government for the support but made it clear that no direct financial assistance was offered to family members by the government.
“The NYPD financed it… as far as we are aware, to date, the NYPD financed the funeral in its entirety… there has not been any need for any financial input from the Guyana Government. Words cannot express how grateful we are to all of Guyana, including Fly Jamaica, the government, the Guyana Police Force, Commander Hicken and the Police Commissioner Mr. Seelall Persaud for the support given to us.”
While he has lost his son in the line of duty as an NYPD officer, Holder snr., whose father was also a police officer in Guyana, said that he has no qualms about encouraging youths to pursue a career in the armed Forces. “It is not only rewarding but it also provides discipline and as is the case with any job there are risk factors. My son’s death was unfortunate but I have no regret about him choosing the path that he took.”
Also speaking to the media was Holder’s grandmother Elizabeth Lovell, who recalled her times playing the role of mother and grandmother.
Lovell said that her grandson’s demise was a great misfortune to her and his Guyana-based brother but she can never forget the times shared and the sacrifices made.
Days after a funeral service in New York, the body of the obviously respected policeman was flown to Guyana for a second funeral service and the interment at Georgetown’s Le Repentir cemetery.
All told, some eighty NYPD ranks attended the funeral including 30 serving Guyana-born ranks. (Mondale Smith)