Assistant Police Commissioner and A Division Commander Derrick Josiah was described as a man of dignity who served his country without fear and prejudice as he was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon.
As thousands flocked the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground to pay their last respects to the fallen lawman, President Donald Ramotar, reflecting on the life of Josiah, said he served his country well.
Ramotar remembered the former commander as a very organised individual, who was always willing to serve above and beyond the call of duty.
He spoke about his interactions with Josiah, recalling that he inquired from Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell about his health a day before his passing, and was told that he was recuperating well.
“I was surprised to have heard about the sudden passing of our colleague,” Ramotar said.
Opposition Leader David Granger, while expressing deep sympathy to the bereaved family, called on the Guyana Police to sternly address the issue of road deaths. Josiah was a victim of a road accident.
Lesson
Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell and Opposition Leader
David Granger (right) were among those who attended the funeral of the late Derrick Josiah
“I can hope and pray that the Guyana Police Force can understand that too many people are dying on Guyana’s roads and if there are any lessons from the life of Derrick Josiah, should be determination to drastically reduce the number of deaths on the roads.”
Granger posited that he has heard very heart rendering tributes about the former commander and he too, without any hesitation, can relate to them, describing Josiah as a brave man, a man who has served his community and country well.
He also called on the youths in the various communities to emulate the life of the great man.
Brumell said the police force has lost an icon, pointing to Josiah’s body as it laid in the casket draped with the flag of the force.
“The body of the man who is in front of us was tied to us like the links of a fallen chain that cannot be broken… how can we say that Josiah is gone… How can we say that he will not walk the green earth again… how can we say that he is dead… he is not dead, he is with us to eternity.”
He said Josiah participated in a number of overseas training and engagements on behalf of the Guyana Police Force, representing Guyana with distinction.
He climbed the ladder with speed and had a very bright future ahead of him, Brumell said of the former commander, who served the police force for 28 years.
A true professional
Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips praised Josiah for his professionalism and more so for being a family man.
He said Josiah will be remembered not only for his intellect, but also for his warmth as a human being.
There were other tributes done by persons that were close to the former police commander in the form of songs, poems and dances.
Josiah joined the Guyana Police Force on August 22, 1985 as a constable and served in various capacities with distinction, the last being as commander of A Division. He was laid to rest at the Uitvlugt Burial Ground.
