Hundreds pay last respects to slain cop Ramphal Pardat
By Jeune Bailey Van-Keric
‘We, the Police Force, will never give in to the dictates of bandits…we will fight to the end’
---Police Commissioner (Actg)

Police Constable,  Ramphal Pardat shot dead (left) Pardat family (right)

HUNDREDS of people from all sections of society paid their final respects yesterday to slain Police Constable 15636 Ramphal Pardat, who was executed by armed bandits following an attack at the Rose Hall Police outpost just after midnight Sunday.

Another slain Policeman, Outar Kissoon, along with a teenager, Balram Khandai, was also killed in the attack, which has been linked to the five dangerous criminals, who escaped from the Georgetown Prison on February 23.

The funeral service for the murdered constable was held at his residence, Lot 106 Ghanpat Street, Rose Hall Town. The yard was packed with scores of persons spilling into nearby yards, while others lined the streets.

Armed Policemen from the Tactical Services Unit kept watch on the funeral procession as other members of the Police Force wearing ceremonial uniforms escorted the coffin of their fallen comrade.

Police Commissioner (Acting), Floyd McDonald declared that the Force will not be deterred by the unnecessary acts of brutality against its members, but will continue to provide law and order.

McDonald said the entire Guyana Police Force was saddened at the brutal slaying of Pardat, whose death he described as “tragic and unnecessary”.

“But crime, which has become more violent, will not weaken the Force, but strengthen it,” he said, adding, “we will never give in to the dictates of the bandits...we will fight to the end.”

The Commissioner said the death of a Policeman must not go unnoticed, and he called on the wider society to work with the Force to restore Guyana to a place of peace.

Home Affairs Minister Mr. Ronald Gajraj said that although several ranks have lost their lives brutally, death is not something one can ever get accustomed to.

“The death of every Policeman impacts on the country, on the Force, community and family. There is no replacement…an irreparable loss,” the Minister said.

Nevertheless, he described the death of the seventh Policeman slain by bandits as “heroic”.

“He has left footprints in the sands of time, which can never be removed, and we mourn his loss, but we celebrate his life,” the Minister said.

Gajraj said that although persons are threatened, and are victims and targets, “we must stand and confront the situation; we must draw hope and continue with faith, as it is not the end of the world”.

He reminded the ranks that, as a law enforcement officers, “your life is at risk, but it is your duty to have law and order maintained”.

Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy urged the gathering to pray for Guyana, so that evil will not triumph over good.

Meanwhile Regional Chairman Mr. Rohit Persaud stated that the Region Six Administration will forge partnerships with the Police for the battle ahead.

Ms Natasha Seecharran in a eulogy to her father remarked that although Pardat was unable to complete his schooling due to poverty, he was employed at various institutions at Novar, Mahaichony, his hometown, prior to joining the Police Force in 1976.

Ramphal Pardat called “Clifton” leaves to mourn, his wife Taramattie; children Davendra, 29; Natasha, 25; Maduri, 21; Tulsedai, 20; Lakram, 18 and Vanessa, 15.

Among others at the funeral service was Divisional Commander “B” Division Marvin Glasgow.

Following a very impressive and orderly funeral service, the body was conveyed to the Babu John Cemetery by ranks of the Police Force where it was interred with full military honours. Officiating minister was Pastor Rajnarine Sukhu.

July 27, 2002

Police working on leads in Rose Hall rampage
DEPUTY Police Commissioner, Mr. Winston Felix yesterday said the Police were working on leads throughout the country, and although a person was held under suspicion at the New Amsterdam Hospital, no charges had been made following the bandit rampage at Rose Hall, Berbice, just after midnight Sunday.

Mr. Felix, designated to succeed Police Commissioner, Mr. Floyd McDonald, said the Force was committed to bringing a halt to the senseless killings and was working assiduously to end the sorrowful situation.

He was commenting on the brutal slaying of Policemen Ramphal Pardat and Outar Kissoon by heavily armed bandits at Rose Hall.

An autopsy yesterday on the body of Ramphal Pardat revealed he died from gunshot wounds to the chin, head, heart and lungs.

When the Chronicle visited the Pardats home at Lot 106 Ghanpat Street, Rose Hall Town, Felix and Commander of Police "B" Divison Martin Glasgow were making final arrangements for a full military funeral to be held tomorrow.

The body is to be interred at the Babu John Cemetery, Port Mourant.

July 25, 2002