On Sunday, at a memorial service held at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, five courageous soldiers were remembered one year after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed their lives.
However, amid the sorrow, there was a story of heroism that has captured the hearts of many.
This hero is Dwayne Jackson, a young member of the helicopter’s cabin crew who not only survived the crash but also displayed extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the aftermath, saving lives in the face of unimaginable danger.
The crash, which occurred in the remote mountains of Guyana, left the helicopter in flames after it went down.
The accident, which occurred on December 6, 2023, took the lives of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Warrant Officer Class 2 Jason Khan.
In the midst of the chaos and devastation, Dwayne Jackson emerged as a beacon of hope.
Though severely burned from escaping the wreckage, he didn’t flee to safety. Instead, he rushed back into the inferno, driven perhaps by a deep sense of duty and the urgent need to help those who were still trapped inside.
Jackson’s swift actions saw him rescue two fellow crew members, including the co-pilot.
Tragically, one of the passengers he helped did not survive, but the co-pilot lives today because of Jackson’s heroic actions.
According to Captain Gerry Gouveia, Security Advisor to President Irfaan Ali, Jackson’s courage is a testament to the very best of humanity.
“In the face of such peril, he showed what it means to be selfless, to put others before oneself,” Gouveia said in a Facebook post after the memorial.
“He didn’t hesitate when others might have. He ran into the flames when most would have turned away,” he added.
“This young man’s bravery not only saved lives, but it has inspired all of us. His actions have shown us that true heroes often walk among us, unnoticed, until the moment when their courage is tested. Dwayne Jackson, you are a hero in every sense of the word,” Gouveia continued.
Jackson’s actions on that fateful day serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Despite the extreme physical and emotional toll of the crash, he rose above fear, choosing to act with compassion and courage.
“To Dwayne Jackson, we extend our deepest gratitude for your bravery, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others,” Gouveia added.
“You have demonstrated the true power of heroism, and we are forever in your debt.”
Back in November, updates were also shared regarding the investigation into the tragic crash.
A Draft Final Report on the investigation into the crash of the Guyana Defence Force’s Bell 412 helicopter has been completed.
This report is now under review by various stakeholders, including the Guyana Defence Force, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, among others.
