Soldier commended for rescuing baby from sinking boat

Chief-of-Staff (ag) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Omar Khan on Monday met with the soldier who rescued a baby from a speedboat that sunk in the Essequibo River on Saturday last.

“Colonel Khan thanked Lance Corporal Shamar Garraway for his selfless action which displayed both his humanitarian and military attributes,” the GDF noted in a press release.

Garraway, who is also a father to a one-year-old boy, explained that he was forced to move to the boat’s bow as it drifted toward the trees where they were able to wait until they were rescued.

According to the release, LCP Garraway quickly assessed the situation and recognised that the very young baby would be most at risk. As a result, he disembarked and sought to provide safety and care for the infant.

“I know I had to help the baby, as, with any emergency, babies and young children are a priority. So Mr Ignatius [another passenger] took the baby first as the mother cried out for help. I told him I would go into the tree so I could be comfortable to hold the baby properly. I then collected him while his mother got help from others with her other child,” the soldier recalled.

He noted that even though it is instinctive to render assistance in times of tragedy, it took courage to remain calm and offer selfless service.

Lance Corporal Garraway, who hails from Zorg, Essequibo Coast only recently celebrated his fifth anniversary of service to Guyana.

According to the GDF, the 23-year-old said he is grateful that he was able to render assistance and most of all, that there were no casualties.

Colonel Khan noted that LCPL Garraway represented the Force well, both in and out of uniform. Further, he was encouraged to share his experience with his fellow colleagues and friends so that they can respond in like manner when the situation necessitates.