DEADLY ARMY EXPLOSION: Football community mourns with relatives and army

DEAD: Guyana Defense Force Private Shaqueel DeHarte

The death of Guyana Defense Force private Shaqueel DeHarte has not only shaken his colleagues, relatives but also an arm of the sporting community, namely the football community.

DeHearte was killed on Thursday morning at the Guyana Defense Force Base Camp Stephenson during an explosion that also claimed the lives of two other soldiers and injuring another two.

20 Year old Shaqueel DeHarte while away from the guns and ammunition that comes with the tools of his trade in the army was an avid footballer playing for the Paradise Invaders Football Club of Paradise, West Coast Berbice where he is from. He was also a member of the Berbice Football Association.

“The President and Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation GFF extends condolences to the relatives and friends, of Shaqueel DeHarte. (Shaqueel) is a former star youth football player of the Paradise Invaders Football Club and the Berbice Football Association. May his soul Rest in peace and rise in eternal glory.’ A message from the Guyana Football Federation read on its Official Facebook Page.

Shaqueel DeHarte in his ceremonial army attire

Several other football clubs and associations also paid their respect to DeHarte through tributes that were posted on social media. Among them, the Victoria Kings Football Club.

“Sincere condolences to his immediate family, relatives, and friends. From the Management and Players of Victoria Kings Football Club. Rip Soldier” the club noted.

Private DeHarte prior to his death resided at lot 9 Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice, and was the youngest among the fatalities from Thursday morning’s explosion at the army base.

The young professional attended the Bush Lot Secondary School also on the West Coast Berbice. The community of Paradise is remembering DeHarte as an enthusiast of football and a person of a quiet and peaceful nature.

Melissa Hutson, the mother of the now-deceased army rank told BIG Smith News Watch that her son back in 2018 while looking for a job, decided to join the Guyana Defense Force but quickly grew to love the profession and developed pride in serving with the organization.

She recalled that just a few weeks ago, Shaqueel, his older brother, and herself were discussing plans to construct a family home as she presently lives with her mother.

“He was that loving caring kind of son,” the shattered mother reflected in her interview with this publication.

Private Shaqueel DeHarte leaves to mourn his parents and siblings among other loved ones.