THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard in observance of its 23rd anniversary held a church service yesterday at its Guyana Coast Guard Ship, Hinds, headquarters at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, at which Reverend Selwyn Sills delivered an inspirational sermon.

The programme got underway with the arrival of Chief of Staff (COS) Commodore Gary Best and the Colour Party marched on in slow-time and made the flag presentation to the Force Chaplain, who placed it on the altar.
This was followed by the hymn ‘Blessed Assurance’, the Lord’s Prayer, a scripture reading, and a song by the GDF band and prayers from the Christian, Hindu and Muslim denominations.
Commander of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Gary Beaton said that throughout this month the Coast Guard will be celebrating its 23rd anniversary and they decided to start it off with fellowship, giving thanks for the observance.
He stated that the celebrations will reflect the joy of today, memories of yesterday and the hope of tomorrow as he recited the theme: “Embracing our past, enriching our present for total defence”.
Beaton added that he is honoured to be at the helm of the GDF Coast Guard in this significant juncture of their existence, since even at 23 they can still be considered at the adolescent stage of their development, but the platform is already set for rapid transformation.
The Coast Guard Commander noted that the programmes to facilitate this transformation include the procurement of three metal shards boats under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and the associated training in boat handling, communications, statistics and maintenance.
He pointed out further that this effort is specifically aimed at addressing piracy, which mostly affects Guyana’s fisherfolk.
Beaton noted that the second major programme is the return of the GDF LFS Essequibo to 100 percent seaworthiness. Through this programme they will work along with the Brazilian navy in order to improve the Coast Guard’s competence and importantly, also, it will test individuals in the inventory on the entire ship.