Coast Guard Commanding Officer Gary Beaton said since the unit’s establishment in 1990 it has undergone several changes and has boosted its capacity to tackle piracy.
In his address at a service held to observe its 23rd anniversary last Thursday, Beaton said the Coast Guard has procured three metal shark boats under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and has had the requisite training in boat handling, communication and maintenance aimed at stemming piracy. It has also restored the GDFS Essequibo to seaworthiness. Beaton further reminded ranks that “it is expected that our service is characterised by the values and standards of the GDF,” according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release.
The milestone observations were held under the theme ‘Embracing our past, enriching our present for total defence.’ It also included a church service at its Ruimveldt base. Prayers were recited by religious leaders from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities, followed by a sermon from Rev Selwyn Sills.
Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford presented a quantity of books to the Coast Guard library. She also committed to providing additional “lighter” reading materials such as magazines to the library.
