THE Marine Wing of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was relaunched and a maritime course for 10 ranks was declared open yesterday, at the GPF Officers’ Training Centre, Camp and Young Streets, Georgetown.

Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, in his address to the gathering at the morning ceremony, said the course is necessary to make that section capable and efficient to carry out its policing duties in Guyana’s territorial waters.
He pointed to the need for protection stating that, apart from acts of piracy, smuggling and other criminal activities plaguing the waterways, criminals have always used them to conduct their nefarious acts of which it is the duty of the GPF Marine Branch to guard against.
Rohee added that the State has taken the necessary measures to confront piracy, smuggling, contraband and illegal movement of people and the course is geared towards capacity building, since the Marine Wing has been neglected for too long.
He said the training will help the ranks to take their responsibilities seriously and the Piracy Act, which was passed in Parliament in 2008, provides the framework in which law enforcement can operate because there are stiff penalties to be applied against defaulters for offences under it.
The minister also pointed out that, under the legislation, the assets of those found guilty can be forfeited and urged ranks to play their part in enforcing the law.
Rohee underscored the importance of training the GPF ranks and noted that they are moving, strategically, to train them to be successful in confronting piracy and other acts of criminality in national waterways.
He said, although it is difficult to stop piracy, smuggling and other acts of criminal activities in the local territorial sea, the Marine Wing must carry out its responsibilities in an effective and competent manner.

Floating base
The minister informed the gathering that Cabinet has approved a floating base for the GPF to enhance the Marine Wing and it will be handed over to the users shortly and they would be provided with the resources as well to equip them.
Facilitator of the Maritime Course, Captain Rouchie Adams said that the objectives are to equip the participants with basic skills that are important for their survival while at sea and in riverine areas, to carry out their functions of effective maritime policing and strengthen the Force’s capacity to combat piracy and other maritime breaches.
He said the course entails the conversion of land base ranks to marine officers where they will be seamen trained in maritime operations and introduced to the nautical language for basic seamanship for small boat operations.
Adams said, too, that the course will also cover collision regulations and rules of the river to prevent colliding as well as safety equipment and its uses on vessels.
“The course will be high pressure, especially in the international regulations in preventing collisions at sea,” he acknowledged.
The theme of the GPF Maritime Course is ‘Advancing institutional modernisation to secure our communities through enhanced professionalism, partnership, strategic management and effective leadership.’
Making remarks on the occasion, as well, was GPF Training Officer, Senior Superintendent Paul Williams.a