Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer, Feroze Bashir was laid to rest yesterday amidst loud wailing and military protocol at his home village of Melanie Damishana on the East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Bashir, 20, of Lot 122 Melanie, ECD, was gunned down outside his paramour’s home in Buxton last Tuesday and since his demise there have been more questions than answers surrounding the circumstances.
He became the ninth policeman and the eleventh law enforcement officer to have died at the hands of criminals since April.
Speaking at his funeral service yesterday at the Church of Christ at Melanie, Commissioner of Police designate, Winston Felix, noted that the first time he came into contact with Bashir he knew that he was an energetic and dedicated worker. “His movements and looks held promise and I was assured that he was a good policeman.”
He added that it was a sad day for the Guyana Police Force and for all Guyanese, not because of the death of Bashir but because of the way in which he was brutally cut down by a criminal.
He assured that the police force has taken full note of the criminal activities and is prepared to confront the situation. Referring to the officer’s death as cruel, Felix said that Bashir had met his death at the hands of a cold-blooded criminal. “But we are resolved to bring his assailant to justice. He has died from a system that many of you are not aware of, a system whereby policemen are being singled out to be killed. But let me tell you the Guyana Police Force is a resilient organisation.”
He told the officers at the service that Bashir’s death should cause them to be more vigilant and to inspire them to discharge their duties with precision and a high level of professionalism in their respective communities.
He extended sympathies to the relatives of Bashir on behalf of Commissioner of Police, Floyd McDonald and other officers of the GPF.
Also speaking at the funeral, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Angela Johnson told the mourners that as they buried Bashir it was fitting for them to remember the deaths of those who have passed on in similar fashion.
She urged that while mourning his loss, his short life must be celebrated since he was an outstanding young officer. She too extended condolences to Bashir’s family on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj and the entire staff of the ministry.
Reverend Abrigo, in a short message told the congregation that there were vital messages evident in the death of Bashir. He said that life is short, adding that the young officer was only 20 when he died and had only spoken to him a few days before. He said that death was no respecter of persons, hence all should be prepared for it and mend their ways.
Leaving a packed church, the officer’s casket, which was draped in the GPF flag, was transported to the Bachelor’s Adventure cemetery where he was laid to rest. The funeral was well-attended and many crowded the public road to have a last glimpse of the young man whom many remembered as a `sweetboy’.
Ranks from the GPF Drum Corps and others decked in ceremonial uniform marched from Melanie to the graveside with scores of sympathisers behind the procession. Bashir was honoured with a 21-gun salute by seven officers after which there was loud crying from his friends and relatives. His adopted mother, Marian Rahaman was comforted by relatives and police officers.
Born on October 11, 1981, Bashir was a former student of the Enmore Primary and Annandale Secondary schools respectively. He was baptised at the Church of Christ at the age of 14. Bashir after completing his training in the police force worked for short periods at the Sparendaam and Cove and John Police Stations, but was later transferred to Eve Leary because he had received several death threats. He was on vacation at the time of his death and was also carrying his service revolver.
The officer died from internal bleeding resulting from three gunshots. His killer is still at large.