26/05/2025
A Tribute to Colonel Sheldon Howell
Soldier. Leader. Humanitarian. Patriot.
In the annals of Guyana’s military history, few officers have embodied duty, honor, and compassion with the balance and quiet strength of Colonel Sheldon Howell. From the unforgiving jungles and cliffs of the hinterland to the strategic command corridors of national defense, Colonel Howell’s service reflects both operational brilliance and a deeply human spirit.
In 2009, then Captain Howell undertook one of the most grueling and selfless missions in modern GDF history—a recovery operation at the base of the majestic but perilous Kaieteur Falls. Following the tragic death of Aliya Bulkan, who plunged from the summit into the Kaieteur gorge, it was Captain Howell who led the 31 Special Forces Squadron through one of the most treacherous terrains imaginable.
Over the course of five relentless days, he and his team endured massive boulders, dense secondary jungle, slippery cliff edges, and violent river currents to bring closure to a grieving family and a shocked nation. The mission was not merely an exercise in endurance—it was an act of extraordinary compassion and human dignity. As Ronald Bulkan, speaking on behalf of the family, said:
“The efforts of the Commanding Officer of the troops, Captain Sheldon Howell… were beyond professionalism. The family is eternally grateful.”
This defining moment exemplifies the quiet valor of Colonel Howell—unshaken by adversity, resolute in purpose, and deeply anchored in the values of service.
Since then, Colonel Howell has continued to ascend, both in rank and responsibility. He has served as Commander of Special Operations, a key leader during multinational exercises such as Tradewinds, and most recently as a polished staff officer working closely with the Office of the President. His education, including graduation from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and his roles in diplomacy and joint regional security highlight his strategic acumen and international credibility.
He has led rescue operations following aviation tragedies, represented Guyana in key defense discussions abroad, and consistently served as a stabilizing force within the GDF’s senior leadership. Whether commanding in the field or advising at the highest levels of government, Colonel Howell is a cornerstone of Guyana’s modern military ethos.
To the nation, he is a protector.
To his soldiers, he is a mentor.
To the families he’s helped, he is a quiet hero.
And to history, he will be remembered as a soldier who served not just with strength, but with heart.
Colonel Sheldon Howell, Guyana salutes you.
