Senior Reporter
kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
As T&T observed the 35th anniversary of the 1990 attempted coup, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro drew a striking parallel between those dark days and the current climate, warning that the country is again navigating “trying times”.
Paying tribute at the Indian Walk Public Cemetery in Princes Town yesterday, Guevarro honoured the sacrifice of Special Reserve Police officer Solomon Mc Leod, who became the first victim of the violent insurrection attempt on July 27, 1990.
Speaking solemnly at Mc Leod’s grave, Guevarro noted that the country, once again, finds itself under a State of Emergency, this time, prompted by circumstances he said are “akin” to those that ignited the attempted overthrow of the government 35 years ago.
“At this point in time, we are again going through some trying times. We are under a State of Emergency, which is caused by specific reasons which can be akin to that of 1990,” Guevarro said.
Yet, amidst his caution, the Police Commissioner offered hope. “God is with T&T,” he said. “And we will be victorious in the end.”
The commemorative procession through Moruga Road to the Indian Walk Cemetery brought together ceremonial police officers, members of the TTPS band, and survivors of the insurrection. Among them was activist Wendell Eversley, who carried a national flag while walking in tribute. Mc Leod’s brother, Earl Mc Leod, marched with a wreath, while Guevarro and TTPS Public Information Officer Insp Michelle Lewis followed behind in solemn respect.
A gun salute pierced the silence of the cemetery before Guevarro laid a wreath on Mc Leod’s freshly cleaned grave.
It was there that the Commissioner reminded the country that while names and circumstances may change, the need for sacrifice and service to the country remains constant.
“He became the first victim of the attempted coup of 1990, and I do not wish that Trinidad and Tobago take that lightly, nor do I wish that we forget that sacrifice that he made.”
“He could have chosen to stay at home, take sick leave, but he went out that day. It was a Friday, but he did what he was supposed to do. He did his duty to Trinidad and Tobago and lost his life in the process, and we do not wish that you all forget that, not at all.”
The gesture from the Police Commissioner touched the Mc Leod family deeply. Speaking with reporters after the ceremony, Earl Mc Leod said the tribute was the most significant public recognition his brother had ever received.
“We feel that the persons who are supposed to are actually remembering what took place and remembering the sacrifice of one of their own. We thank God for them taking the time off to come today. I know everyone will have their own situation and issues, but we are thankful that they could have taken the time off and be here today to honour the memory of my brother,” Earl said.
Solomon Mc Leod was just 23 years old when he died. For Earl, it is sobering to reflect that his brother has now been dead for more years than he lived. As the decades pass, he fears his brother’s name, and that of others who gave their lives during the coup attempt, will fade into obscurity.
“We would like something in the annals of the history of T&T to remember, not just the sacrifice of my brother, but there are others who were involved,” he said.
“We would like this to be remembered in the history of Trinidad and Tobago not just as an attempted coup or a threat on our democracy, but as a sacrifice that was given by people—the ultimate sacrifice, as was said, their lives for their country.”
Asked to respond to Guevarro’s comparison of present-day unrest to that of 1990, Earl Mc Leod said he supported any steps the TTPS would take to secure the country and prevent another insurrection.
