By Michel Outridge

THE British naval vessel, the HMS Mersey, docked in Port Georgetown yesterday morning as part of its continued efforts to engage with nations throughout the Caribbean and South America and to support UK overseas territories.

Members of the ship’s company will conduct training with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard to improve understanding of each other’s capabilities.

Mersey will host an evening reception, tours for local dignitaries and several sailors will proceed ashore on a community outreach project, while also paying their respects at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves.

The visit will culminate in a sunset ceremony at the British High Commissioner’s residence.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Mersey, Lt Cdr Richard Hewitt said, “It is an honour to be the first Royal Navy ship to come alongside here in 20 years and I am looking forward to the opportunity for my sailors to work with the Guyana Coast Guard. I hope the visit establishes new links between the Royal Navy and Guyana.”

The Commanding Officer told reporters during a brief interview that they are in Guyana to exchange information with the GDF Coast Guard and conduct exercises along with training of local Coast Guardsmen.

Commander Hewitt stated that the HMS Mersey and the Guyana Coast Guard Essequibo will manoeuver in close proximity to assess how they operate locally.

COUNTER-NARCOTICS
As it relates to Guyana’s plan to buy additional Coast Guard vessels, Hewitt said his team could share its experiences with local counterparts. Meanwhile, the team will also participate in counter-narcotics exercises during the four-day visit.

According to Hewitt, his team has been successful thus far in its patrol of the Caribbean as it relates to countering narcotics. Mersey left the UK in early January and will be deployed on Atlantic Patrol Task (North) until July. The ship will provide security and assurance to the UK’s overseas territories in the Caribbean, visiting all six during its time in the region.

The British Royal Navy patrol vessel will also reinforce trade links with Central America and reaffirm relationships with foreign partners, including the Mexican Navy. The ship will also conduct counter-narcotics patrols with a US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment team embarked for boarding operations.

Throughout the deployment Mersey will be on standby to assist with disaster relief operations, carrying emergency relief stores, including food and water. Among her 48-member crew are a doctor and medical team.
The ship can make ten tonnes of fresh water per day and is also able to carry shipping containers of aid and equipment if required, using her own cranes.