The bodies of the five servicemen who died in the tragic GDF Bell 412 helicopter crash were flown to the city yesterday. At sunset and with feelings of sorrow permeating the atmosphere, the five bodies arrived at the Eugene F Correira Airport.
In the presence of President Irfaan Ali, Army Chief of Staff Omar Khan, family members of the deceased and other dignitaries, the caskets were draped in The Golden Arrowhead before being removed from the GDF Skyvan. The pallbearers then hoisted the bodies of retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles and staff Sergeant Jason Khan to waiting hearses.
The sight of the casket of retired Brigadier Gary Beaton who was the husband of Former Minister of the Public Service Dr Jennifer Westford was overwhelming for the former Minister who screamed and had to be consoled as GDF pallbearers took the casket to the waiting hearse.
Tears rolled down the face of President Ali who was visibly emotional as he briefly greeted family members and the top brass of the Guyana Defence Force before leaving the Eugene F Correira Airport.
The Bell 412 Helicopter went missing on Wednesday, December 6, 30 miles east of Arau. The two survivors of the crash, Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson were also flown to the city yesterday. They were greeted by President Ali and family members before being taken away by waiting ambulances for further medical checks.
Army Chief of Staff Omar Khan told members of the media yesterday that the investigation is ongoing.