Commemorative stamp honours legacy of Guyanese aviator Captain Roland DaSilva

The official unveiling of a $500 commemorative stamp honouring the late Captain Roland DaSilva pays tribute to the legacy of a visionary aviator, whose impact is firmly embedded in the hearts of Guyanese.

Captain DaSilva achieved several significant milestones, becoming the first Guyanese to join British Guiana Airways and hold a commercial and instruments rating pilot’s license. He is recognised as a trailblazer in Guyanese commercial aviation; he is also the first and only Guyanese who received the Cacique Crown of Valour in 1971 for his bravery during the Rupununi uprising in 1969 and the retaking of Guyanese territory from Suriname.

Captain DaSilva’s aviation career, spanning from 1953 to 2006, amassed 36,151 flying hours over 49 years. His strategic brilliance, operational expertise, and unwavering dedication to aviation establish him as an enduring figure in both Guyanese and international aviation history.

Roland DaSilva Jr. expressed gratitude for the stamp’s creation, sharing that his father was aware of the plans before his passing in August 2023.

“He was able to get the news that it was gonna happen and I was able to be there with my mom and I’ve seen him cry three times in my whole life and his reaction to it is etched in my brain for life,” Roland Jr. stated.

Roland Jr. said his father’s passion for Guyana remained unchanged even though he lived in the United States. The stamp, designed by Captain DaSilva’s daughter, serves as a lasting tribute to his impactful legacy.

Jennifer DaSilva, Captain DaSilva’s widow, extended her appreciation to everyone involved, expressing gratitude for their efforts in commemorating her late husband.

“I appreciate everything that everyone did for him,” the widow said as her emotional daughter stood beside her.

Acting Post Master Tiffany Williams conveyed the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s pride in collaborating with the Guyana Defence Force to commemorate DaSilva’s legacy through the production of this stamp. The stamp marks the first commemorative stamp for the year and will be available to the public from February 26.

“The Guyana Post Office Corporation is proud to be a part of this momentous occasion where the post gets to witness Mr DaSilva’s legacy being commemorated with the production of this stamp,” Williams stated.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, also acknowledged Captain DaSilva’s life and achievements during brief remarks.

“On this occasion, therefore I am most honoured to have the force that I lead to host his dedication ceremony in recognition of a great Guyanese and hero,” the Chief of Staff said.

Prime Minister Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips who is performing the duties of President spoke about DaSilva’s ‘military mind’ even though he was a civilian.

He described him as a skilled aircraft pilot with the unique ability to plan successful operations with the Guyana Defence Force.

“Roland Da Silva became the first and only Guyanese to have received Guyana’s highest award the Cacique Crown of Valour for bravery in the highest honour in defence of Guyana in circumstances of great danger involving serious risk of life,” the Prime Minister said.