Berbicians thrilled at GDF paratrooping display
One of the paratroopers poses with a family.)
One of the paratroopers poses with a family.)

SCORES of onlookers decked in their finest attire last Saturday braved the afternoon sun to witness for the first time in Berbice, a paratrooping display by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Skeldon Line Path ground, Corentyne. The three-phase event, which comprised a medical outreach, a band display and paratroop exercise formed part of the celebration of the GDF’s 50th anniversary this year.
The medical corps team, which was responsible for the first phase of the day’s activities, the medical outreach, left their Camp Ayanganna headquarters as early as 06:30hrs armed with their medical equipment and supplies.
It was no easy task creating a conducive environment at the ground to facilitate the gathering, which was already waiting. However, their military training was indeed an asset to the officers.
But despite a late start, following minor setbacks, the medical corps, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, commenced operations just after 10:00am, and according to the Berbicians, it was a most welcome service.
MEDICAL SERVICES
The team was equipped with three doctors, who offered physical examinations and a dentist who provided dental services to the residents. Lab services in the form of cholesterol, blood group, blood count and blood sugar testing were also offered. These services were complemented by a pharmacy which served to provide medications, free of charge, following prescriptions by the doctors.
Speaking with this publication at the event, Dr. Notoya Fraser deemed it a “tremendous success” as medical services are always on demand.
Noting that arthritis, hypertension and blood pressure were among the reccurring cases among the people, Dr. Fraser added that people even came for simple coughs, colds and skin diseases which suggested that the outreach was a much welcomed one.
“One of the things that saddened me is the need for health education, because you can have these diseases which is normal but the important thing is keeping them under control. And it is always a pleasure doing things like these because it is satisfying and rewarding knowing that you can help people live healthy lives,” she said. Medical services were rendered to approximately 120 persons, the doctor said.
ENTERTAINMENT
The second phase of the event was the entertainment aspect, where the military band provided melodious music to the growing numbers who were then eagerly awaiting the paratroop exercise.
From traditional national songs to pulsating soca, persons in the crowd, including military personnel could not resist a modest gyration while they awaited the arrival of the paratroopers who would be landing from 6,000ft above.
At 16:15hrs, a white Islander aircraft, which had circled the area twice, dispatched the first set of paratroopers who were hovering thousands of feet above.
With the exception of one, who landed in a neighbouring graveyard, the other three paratroopers managed to successfully land within their perimeters, drawing rapturous applause from the crowd. Within a few minutes, the aircraft dispatched the second set of men, who also landed successfully within their given boundaries.
Speaking with Major Souvenir, the Jump Master of the team, he detailed the rigorous training which this activity entails. He explained that even though paratrooping might seem simple to some, it is much more than just jumping from an aircraft and landing successfully.
After witnessing this for the first time in Berbice, 46-year-old Suraj Deo told the media how pleased he was to see such an activity held in Corentyne. He revealed that in his 46 years, he could not recall paratrooping being held in Berbice, which attracted scores of people into the streets.
Meanwhile, the health outreach will continue countrywide, with the final one slated for November this year.

Berbicians thrilled at GDF paratrooping display

 

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