–after a year of hard work

ALTHOUGH away from the hub of activities at this time of year, and in most cases miles away from their homes, ranks of the Coastal Battalion of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) based at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast in Region 2, awoke to hot coffee and rum served by their senior officers, Major Colin Henry and his deputy, as part of the annual luncheon for GDF ranks at various divisions and postings on Soldiers’ Day,on Thursday.

Following the serving of coffee and rum, shots were fired into the air as the day of appreciation for the ranks got off to a robust start.
The official ceremony comprised skits, dances, jokes and speeches, which were witnessed by divisional heads of the various government organisations based along the Essequibo Coast.
Major Henry’s address to the soldiers acknowledged that the men had worked hard throughout the year, and he said the GDF wanted to show its appreciation for their efforts and their commitment to the job.
He said that since establishment of the division in 2009, many successes have been recorded in operations, sports, and other engagements of the more than 100 ranks of the Coastal Battalion. He said the Coastal Battalion is growing, and currently sports several bases across the country; but he reminded the ranks that new and more treats continue to emerge with respect to security, and all soldiers, especially those tasked with ensuring the sovereignty of the waterways, need to be involved in continuous training to combat those challenges effectively.
Major Henry noted that the men who serve in the Coastal Battalion are also responsible for internal stabilization operations from Charity to Springlands; and he acknowledged that the area is indeed a large one to supervise, deter illegal activities, conduct operations, gather information, and engage in internal and civil defence operations and other tasks.
He said it is because of the size of the area that collaboration and joint operations with other agencies are very important. The Coastal Battalion is also engaged in youth development and empowerment, he noted.
Major Colin Henry has been the second commanding officer of this unit since its establishment. He assumed command thereof following retirement and handing over of the command, conducted recently at that base in Essequibo.
Major Henry said 2013 was a good and productive year for the unit. He pleaded with ranks to ensure that they keep it that way for the remainder of this year, and to ensure that 2014 sees the ranks employing much more energy and scoring more successes.
He charged the ranks to uphold the good image of the unit, and to keep the flag of the unit flying as loftily and proudly as it has been flying since the unit’s formation.
He also urged that cooperation and good relations which ranks of the unit enjoy with the residents, regional authorities and all other persons along the Essequibo and in other areas be continued and strengthened.
Present at the event were the Guyana Defence Force Welfare Officer, ‘G’ Division Police Commander, Region 2 Chairman, Head of the divisional Fire Office, and other agencies and organisations in the region.

(By Leroy Smith)