‘Fearless’ cop makes final journey

ASSISTANT Police Commissioner (Crime) Oswyn Allard called on police officers to ban together to reclaim the safety and security of Trinidad and Tobago.

And the uncle of slain policeman Derrick Nelson said his nephew had fallen at the hands of evil and wicked men. But Bishop Turner Nelson asked the police to show restraint and not vengeance at the killing of the 36-year-old detective. “The evil men will meet their match,” Bishop Nelson added. Allard and Bishop Nelson paid glowing tribute to PC Nelson who was shot on May 31 at Milton Road, Couva, but who died at the San Fernando General Hospital on June 7. His death is still a mystery and so far, no one has a clue as to what exactly happened.

Yesterday, the Trinity Cathedral in Port-of-Spain was packed as hundreds turned out to bid farewell to the detective who had been assigned body guard duties to High Court Judge Herbert Volney since November 1996. His sister Pamela Nelson and Justice Volney also paid tribute to the fallen hero. In his eulogy, Allard said PC Nelson’s death must not go in vain. “We must let this occurrence be seen as a signal to the citizens of this country, the government and my fellow officers of the Police Service, that we need to close ranks and ban together to reclaim the safety and security of our nation.” Allard described PC Nelson as the ideal police officer who was honest, trustworthy, dedicated and hardworking. Justice Volney, who broke down in tears at the sight of his bodyguard, described PC Nelson as a guardian angel. The judge said his bodyguard appeared each morning on time. According to the judge, PC Nelson exuded warmth, character and humility. “He often broke bread with us and relished in good food and fine spirits. Mr Nelson was a dedicated, loyal and fearless policeman. He had an abundant rich mix of the qualities of self-esteem, humility, loyalty, trustworthiness, sincerity, a caring spirit and willing nature and an unending love.”

Bishop Nelson said a “prince and a gentleman” had fallen. “The cry must not be revenge, the law will reward the evil doers. The police must have restraint, not vengeance. I believe the power of God is over this nation. The evil men will meet their match. We must have a revival and spiritual awakening, not a bloody revolution.” Dean Knolly Clarke, who officiated at the service, said over the last three months, he had to conduct services for five persons who were murdered. “These experiences have become endemic in our society. We have become a society of pointing fingers. We are calling on everyone to eradicate these horrendous crimes. Crime and violence have become the business of the whole society.” A wide cross-section of society attended the funeral service. Commissioner of Police Hilton Guy led a strong presence of police officers. But there was no Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee. He was attending Cabinet meeting at Whitehall. Junior Minister of National Security Anthony Roberts, who is not a Cabinet Minister, was the only Government politician to show his face. Chief Justice Sat Sharma led his troops of judges and magistrates. So too was the Commissioner of Prisons Leo Abraham, the DPP Geoffrey Henderson, and staff at the Hall of Justice where PC Nelson was assigned. PC Nelson’s final journey followed the service. His casket, was draped in the national colours. From the St James Barracks, there was a procession to the St James Crematorium where he was cremated.