President of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo has been briefed on the death of Lance Corporal Shemton Dodson of the Guyana Defence Force who was shot and killed by armed criminals during a joint Police/Army cordon and search operation in Buxton conducted on May 15, 2003.

His Excellency extends his sincerest condolences to the relatives, friends and colleagues of Lance Corporal Dodson who died in the line of duty. The President notes the bravery and commitment to duty of this soldier in confronting the criminals operating out of Buxton.

It is apposite to recall that Lance Corporal Dodson is the most recent member of the security forces to have died at the hands of criminals.

The Commander in Chief observes that Lance Corporal Dodson’s death is another timely reminder of the grave dangers the loyal and hardworking members of our security forces face in maintaining law and order and preserving the security of each and every Guyanese.

President Jagdeo is currently on a five-day visit to Russia to meet with the President of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin and potential inventors and to participate in a World Forum of Foreign Graduates.