-President says gov’t will provide assets to suppress illegal activities

By Zena Henry

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF), on Wednesday accepted two brand new patrol boats from the Government of Guyana to be used in the security of the country’s maritime space and assets.

President David Granger, Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces, handed over the keys for the vessels to the GDF’s Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, at a simple commissioning ceremony held before Officers and ranks of the GDF and its Coast Guard, foreign dignitaries and representatives of maritime and safety related agencies, at the Coast Guard base.
On the sidelines of the event, the Guyana Chronicle was told that the vessels are worth “approximately G$140million” each. The boats will compliment an existing fleet of five smaller Metal Shark patrol boats, increasing the Force’s vessels to seven. The new boats were said to be built to the specification of the GDF and is larger with longer endurance than the other vessels. The new boats are 38feet long while the other boats are 28 feet. They are outfitted with three 300 horse power engines and are said to be “necessary for our (Guyana’s) level of threat”. The carrying capacity of the vessel is 18.
President Granger, in remarks told the GDF that the government will provide the assets that will allow the force to stay ahead in suppressing illegal activities on the country’s waterways. Acknowledging this country’s vast maritime space, the President said that the GDF will continue to receive the government’s support against illegal activities such as poaching, fuel smuggling, and piracy. “You will receive support to suppress and prevent narcotic trafficking and all other forms of maritime illegalities,” the President vowed.
He said that the Coast Guard must be able to respond to criminal activities, but they must also be able to respond to emergencies such as search and rescue missions, and to enforce laws relating to navigational safety. The President highlighted that Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, is the next new frontier of the country’s development. “Petroleum

exploration is now taking pace in Guyana’s offshore waters. A number of foreign companies are engaged in that sector. Guyana’s maritime resources include our fisheries. The Coast Guard must be strengthened to provide greater security to investors in petroleum, fishing and other maritime activities.”
The President said Guyana must continue to ensure the safety of its waters so that ships can enjoy safe passage since international trade and activities like petroleum explorations lead to economic development. Guyana is an export-oriented country and the shipping industry is being threatened by the abuse of nation’s waters, the President urged. He insisted that the transshipment of narcotics and the smuggling of contrabands help to deprive the country of revenue, while ruining the country’s reputation of being a safe destination for foreign investments.
“They will stall the economy and spawn violence and other forms of criminality,” the President charged. The President said that Guyana’s territorial waters are extensive. He said the Coast Guard needs a stronger and larger fleet of vessels. He said surveillance equipment along with faster vessels are needed and the government through the Defence Board will provide as much as financially possible.
After receiving the keys for the brand new boats, COS Brigadier West, handed it over to the Coast Guard’s Commanding Officer, Orin Porter. West said the boats are accompanied with accessories and spares. Given the performance of the other boats, the COS said the GDF’s interest remained with the specific brand, leading the government to purchase same. The boats which were said to be donations from international partners have performed well and were involved in law enforcement missions that yield tangible and intangible results, West said. He reported however that, “…the overall length, breadth, graph, carrying capacity, endurance and propulsion system, all make these vessels an ideal platform which the Force can engage in pursuits, interdiction and surveillance activities…”