Rescued De Hoop businessman, Viticharran Singh in a statement has saluted the late Lance Corporal Shemton Dodson and hopes to meet his family soon.
Singh who was kidnapped last week Tuesday in front of his home, was rescued by a joint army/police search team last Saturday in Buxton. His rescue came after Dodson was shot and killed by three gunmen during one of the many operations which were carried out for his rescue. Two of the three men were however killed when the army returned fire.
The full text of the statement sent by Singh reads, "Since my rescue from kidnappers by members of the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force, I have searched deeply for ways of saying thank you. It is not an easy task because words cannot sufficiently convey my deep sense of gratitude to all the people that contributed to my rescue. The determined efforts of the police and army make me proud to be a Guyanese, safe in the knowledge that the professionals in those services can and will protect all Guyanese.
My friends, neighbours and well wishers from all parts of Guyana with their prayers, kind words and offers of assistance have been a source of great help to my family during the ordeal. How can I begin to thank them?
"I salute Lance Corporal, Shemton Dodson. I shall never forget him. Though I did not know him he is one of my heroes and I humbly ask that a fitting acknowledgement be made by the authorities. Besides what has already been done, as soon as I am well I will be soliciting additional assistance from the business community for Lance Corporal Dodson's dependants. It will be an honour to meet his family.
"I am still trying to reconcile all that has happened. My doctor has advised that I rest for a while. My gratitude goes out to the many family, friends and sympathisers near and far. Special thanks once more to the members of the army and police. I am here because of them. God bless you all."