by Amanda Wilson
CONSTABLE Stanley Henry, the Presidential Guard killed in last Thursday's accident on the Lethem trail, was yesterday afternoon laid to rest with full military honours at a cemetery at his birthplace, Orealla, Corentyne.
Before that, President Bharrat Jagdeo was among those paying glowing tributes to the fallen guard at a funeral service on the Police Eve Leary Ground in Georgetown.
Pastor Joseph Persaud, in a message at the service, said Henry's fiance, Ms Sabita Panday had told him that he had wanted to die in the line of duty.
The religious leader said Henry got his wish.
Among others at the service were Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Ronald Gajraj, former President Mrs Janet Jagan, Commissioner of Police, Mr Laurie Lewis, Leader of The United Force, Mr Manzoor Nadir, members of the Guyana Police Force and employees of the Office of the President.
Amid musical renditions from the Police Force Band, President
Jagdeo paid tribute, Assistant Superintendent L. Saul read the eulogy and Henry's mother, Mrs Magdalene Henry sang a final hymn to her son, `In Heaven There Will Be No Pain Nor Tears'.
The 26-year-old cop leaves to mourn his four children, fiance Panday, his mother, siblings and others.
President Jagdeo paid his respects to Henry's mother, fiance and other relatives who were seated at the front of the audience.
Mr Jagdeo recalled that Henry joined the Presidential Guard about five years ago and worked with him throughout the 18 months of his Presidency.
"Over this period Stanley was a model worker. There was one quality about him that always stood out. Although the job he had was taxing, he was always cool", he said.
The President said Henry will be remembered for his calm outer demeanor, dependability and tranquil spirit.
"Stanley had a calm outer demeanor. I do not think that I have ever seen him in any mood but calm and assured. He was quiet and unruffled about his work."
Mr Jagdeo said Henry was always well dressed, mannerly, disciplined and related easily with his colleagues.
Henry had a simple but uplifting dignity with which he did his work and was always willing to take on responsibilities, he recalled.
"As President of Guyana, it is always reassuring to know that there are persons like Henry who are looking out for you. For this I am eternally indebted to the Presidential Guards.
"Stanley Henry was an integral part of this team and for this I am eternally indebted to the Presidential Guards."
Mr Jagdeo said he was shocked to learn about the crash but was even more disturbed to hear about Henry's death.
Due to this, Mr Jagdeo said, he did not attend the Rupununi Day Celebrations.
The father of four was killed when the Land Rover he and five other Presidential Guards were travelling in plunged some 25-30 feet into a creek while going over a bridge on the Lethem trail.
They were the advance security team for the President at the Lethem event.
Mr Jagdeo said the death was a personal blow and urged everyone who was fortunate to know Henry to cherish the many memories they have of him.
"Stanley Henry was just 26 years old. Faith has dealt him a cruel blow. Death has snatched him in the prime of his life. He was still a very young man with so much to live for."
Assistant Superintendent Saul said Henry was the last of nine children born to Magdalene and the late Arthur Henry in the Amerindian village of Orealla.
He attended the Orealla Government School and completed a course at the Kuru Kuru College, Soesdyke on the Linden Highway.
On February 8, 1996, Henry enlisted in the Police Force with regulation number 17120 and was stationed with the Presidential Guard.
During his years there, he served in the uniform section and the Body Protection Section and was later promoted to `Close man to the President'.
Saul said while going through Henry's belongings a letter he had written to his mother was discovered. In the letter, Henry told his mother:
"Mom, I'm asking you to please pray that everything will be all right with me. What I am in is because of my country. I have no regrets. Everything is okay so far.
"Tell my family circle not to think too much about me because it will not do them any good. Tell them I love them, you and my country all. I pledge myself to honour always the flag of Guyana". After the service, the hearse bearing Henry's body slowly made its way to the helicopter with six Presidential Guards marching alongside it to the sounds of the Police Band.
The guard was given his final salute before the helicopter carrying his mother, fiance, Minister Gajraj, Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe and Minister of Education, Dr Dale Bisnauth took off on his last voyage.
Courtesy of the Chronicle
November 30, 2000