Comforting: Injured policeman Con-stable Kester Cosbert who was wounded in the Brickdam station shooting on Monday, being comforted after he broke down in tears at Good Hope foreshore yesterday. (Photo by Ken Moore)
A selfless man, always willing to go the extra mile was how murdered policeman Lance Corporal Ramnarine Latchana was described before his body was cremated at the Good Hope foreshore yesterday.
Yesterday a large crowd was present at Lifespring Ministries, 14B Kersaint Park, La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara to pay last respects to Latchana who was afforded full military honours. The service was followed by a procession to Good Hope where he was cremated.
Among the many paying tribute at the funeral service, was Police Commissioner Winston Felix, who said: "It is indeed sad for a person to have given service to his country from age 21 to have met his death under the line and course of duty." He said that as a police officer, Latchana was selfless and always willing to go the extra mile.
He added that the policeman's death should only make the Guyana Police Force stronger for the future. "His death should propel us to continue serving with distinction" he said.
Home Minister Ronald Gajraj paid his respects, adding how very responsible the deceased was. He said Latchana was always well turned out and never shirked his duties.
Giving the eulogy, Samantha Latchana the deceased's only daughter, pointed out that her father had been a mechanic before he had joined the force in 1988. She said how much he would be missed by her and the family.
Poems were also read by Samantha and Latchana's mother Doris.
Songs were sung by the police choir. One officer gave a touching rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way". The service concluded with a sermon and closing hymn.
The short ceremony at Good Hope foreshore was emotionally charged as family, relatives and police officers wept openly. Constable Kester Cosbert, one of two men injured in the shooting spree, attended the funeral on crutches and was clearly upset during the proceedings. He had to be comforted.
Before the pyre was lit, the "Last Post" was played and Latchana's colleagues fired a 21-gun salute.
Latchana, 39, was fatally wounded at the Brickdam police station last Monday when ex-policeman Solomon Blackman allegedly went on a rampage at the station. Blackman has been indictably charged with the deaths of Latchana and Assistant superintendent Richard Griffith, also killed in the mayhem at Brickdam.
His widow Pamela Griffith has said she hopes her husband's funeral will take place before Tuesday.