“Today, we mourn the passing of a brave and courageous soldier, Lance Corporal Shemton Douglas, who was killed in the line of duty. He has left to mourn his immediate family, his comrades-in-arms of the Guyana Defense Force, his friends and all those who during his short life, came to know and respect him. In his passing, we are all diminished.

“ I would like to first extend my condolences to his immediate family. I share your grief at this time. Nothing that any of us can say here today will be able to compensate for his absence from your lives, which are now changed in ways that you never expected or desired. How can our words of solace replace the fact that no longer would you see his smiling face, hear his assuring voice, delighting in his laughter and experiencing his warm human qualities? Our words here today may console but they can never replace the replaceable. Rest assured though that we are here with you in this your time of grief.

“ We mourn the loss of a fine son of the army, a brave and courageous soldier who laid down his life in the service of the people of this country. For this, the nation honours the memory of Lance Corporal Dodson, who, in giving his life has, as we all know, helped to save another. There is nothing more heroic, noble and honourable in life than to give one’s life in the rescue of another.

Lance Corporal Shemton Dodson knew where he stood in life; he stood on the side of law and order and on the protection and preservation of the territorial integrity of Guyana. At this time when criminals feel that they have a license to kill and maim officers of the disciplined forces, the example of this young man in choosing his station in life and being loyal to duty stands as a beacon of hope for our nation.

While we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate his life. Here was a young man, whom I am told, was full of enthusiasm and who truly loved being a soldier. He would in his brief tour on this earth have touched the lives of those with whom he came into contact with. It is these rich and endearing human experiences that we must today celebrate and forever cherish.

Lance Corporal Shelton Dodson died in the line of duty. His death may have stunned all, not the least of which would be the members of his platoon. I am assured of their resolve to complete the mission of which he was a part.

The death of Lance Corporal Dodson will not be in vain. The mission, which he began, will be completed and his life will be remembered and celebrated in the finest traditions of the military. The greatest tribute we can pay to this fallen soldier is to successfully complete his mission.

Farewell, dear soldier! We salute your memory and embrace your heroic sacrifice!”