October laid to rest
Sister begged him to stay in US
Stabroek News
September 13, 2002
Hundreds turned up yesterday to pay their last respects to Inspector Leyland October who was killed by bandits last Friday while buying ice cream for his granddaughter.
October, a father of four, was laid to rest at the Agricola burial ground while a funeral service was held in the St Phillips Anglican Church. He was the tenth police officer to be murdered since April of this year. His sister, Yvonne October, in delivering his eulogy, described her dead brother as being a man of extreme confidence who had so much to offer that the entire October clan sought his advice. She recalled that in 2001 his elder sister begged him to remain in the United States but he refused, saying that he only had five more years to retire.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Floyd McDonald, said the whole force was saddened by his death. He said the force had lost a very good example of what an officer should be. Meanwhile McDonald warned that those who encourage criminal activities are just as guilty as those who pull the trigger to end the lives of law enforcement officers. He warned that an attack on a police officer was a direct attack on law and order and added that the entire society will suffer if there is a breakdown in law and order. But he said the force was comforted by the public's support. In thanking the media for its support, McDonald cautioned that media representatives should not express their personal opinions but report solely on the facts.
Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj, described October as being one of the most versatile officers in the force. He said his professionalism was worth emulation, pointing out that he had been firm in the discharge of his responsibilities and had demanded the respect of the public.
Among the mourners were Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, Manzoor Nadir; General Secretary of the PNC/R, Oscar Clarke; Mayor Hamilton Green and Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine.