GDF medic drowns

The Guyana Defence Force today said that Corporal, Kevin Calder drowned this morning in the Essequibo River at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRMJATS).

The GDF said that preliminary reports indicate that Calder and a fellow soldier were swimming in the river at about 0730hours when he encountered difficulties and sank beneath the water. The reports further state that attempts to render assistance proved futile. The GDF said that a team was immediately dispatched to the location and his lifeless body was recovered at approximately 0900 hours and transported to Georgetown by helicopter.

The 28-year old, who hailed from 2716 Pilot Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, served as the Medic at CRMJATS.

The GDF said that Calder’s wife and parents have been notified and a Board of Inquiry (BOI) will be launched shortly, to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. He leaves to mourn his wife, Latoya Calder and his four-year–old son Jeremiah Calder.

Kevin Calder
Kevin Calder