Relatives of fallen solider, Cpl Shervaun Charleau, said yesterday while no-one will ever really know the circumstances that led to his untimely death last month, they would continue to pray that those involved would now turn their lives over to God.
Bishop Anton Charleau made the call as he delivered the sermon at his uncle’s funeral at the Church of the Assumption, Maraval. Charleau, 39, was shot during a robbery at Fort George, St James, on October 30 and died hours later at hospital.
The father of four joined the regiment on September 29, 1999 and spent 16 years honing his skills. He was named a special forces operator in 2004, following which he became part of an elite tactical team and engaged in high level operations, including security details for dignitaries and ministers.
Urging the rest of the nation to wake up and realise that the horrible crimes currently being perpetrated against each other was a sign of the times we lived in, Bishop Charleau appealed to the congregation to accept responsibility for their actions and "do what is right."
Telling them it did not matter how much wealth they accumulated or how educated they became in their lifetime, he sought to drive home the point that a man was judged only by his deeds upon his death. Claiming he had no vengeance in his heart for his uncle's killers, Bishop Charleau said although he continued to grieve for his lost role model, he wanted justice to be served in this instance.
Focusing on Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, former National Security Minister Carl Alphonso and Chief of Defence Staff Kenrick Maharaj, who were present, Bishop Charleau warned that the occurrences which led to his uncle's killing "cannot be stopped" and was "going to get worse."
Appealing to them to heed the official oath they had taken "to make sure and do a good job," Bishop Charleau added: "We may have the plans and think we have the solutions but because Jesus is not alive, it can't happen." Reiterating that it was time to ensure God was present both in the home and workplace, the outspoken bishop said our actions now would determine how we were viewed later.
Imploring the fathers and mothers not to shirk their duty, both to their off-springs and those without parents, Bishop Charleau requested the congregation not to forget Shervaun's four children as he said support was not only about financial contributions.
During the first part of a three-member eulogy, Shervaun's elder brother, Delbert Charleau Jr recalled his joyous nature, determination, respectful attitude, strong leadership style and approachability which set him apart from his nine siblings. Admitting that Shervaun was not perfect, Delbert Jr said his brother's first love was for God and then his family.
Meanwhile, Shervaun's military compatriots expressed their loss through Cpl Russell who said "Red Dog", as he was affectionately called, was an individual who outshone his peers in physical training and activities. Recalling the love the other soldiers often demonstrated for Shervaun, he too was sombre as he said no one would ever know the truth surrounding the killing.
However, he said, having sworn loyalty to the State Shervaun would have given his life to protect others. Meanwhile, Special Forces Detachment Commander, Major Dexter Metivier, described Shervaun as the true embodiment of what a soldier was as he highlighted his professional accomplishments, excellent attitude and exceptional skills.
Following the service Shervaun's body was laid to rest at the Military Cemetery, Long Circular Road, St James.