President Ali says vessel will protect Guyana’s offshore assets, maritime waters
AS part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), a new marine vessel, the ‘GDFS Shahoud,’ was officially commissioned at Coast Guard Headquarters on Tuesday.
The 115 defiant monohull offshore patrol vessel is the army’s newest patrol vessel named in honour of Colonel Michael Shahoud. He was one of the GDF officers who perished in the fatal helicopter crash last December.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who commissioned the vessel said that naming the vessel in honour of the late Colonel was fitting, since the task of the vessel embodies his valour, dedication and unwavering service.
He highlighted its significance to the Coast Guard’s fleet and Guyana’s overall maritime capabilities of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In his address, he emphasised the vessel’s role in protecting the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the valuable resources within its maritime waters.
He noted that the commissioning of the ‘GDFS Shahoud’ is not just an addition to the fleet, but is also a celebration of the strong bilateral relationship between Guyana and the United States, aimed at integrating and expanding asset ranges and enhancing human-resource capabilities.
“This asset is not only about the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); we know for a fact that we are losing maybe billions of dollars in our Exclusive Economic Zone with illegal fishing and other activities. We have committed to a coordinated and interagency approach to the defence and safeguarding of our maritime space and territorial integrity,” Dr Ali stated.
He further expressed that the vessel’s addition demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s defence-response capabilities. The ‘GDFS Shahoud’ will be crucial in protecting offshore assets essential to Guyana’s economic future, ensuring that maritime waters, which play a critical role in the economy receive greater protection.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, also spoke at the ceremony, marking the commissioning as a significant milestone in the GDF’s history and the evolving partnership between Guyana and the United States.
“It was truly an honour to attend the commissioning of the Guyana Defence Force Ship (GDFS) Shahoud, named after dedicated serviceman Colonel Michael Shahoud. With the arrival of this state-of-the-art vessel, Guyana is not just acquiring a physical asset, but a strategic partner. Metal Shark, the U.S.-based company that manufactured the vessel, will also work with the GDF Coast Guard to operationalise this strategic asset, and the company will continue to play a supporting role in the growth and modernisation of Guyana’s Coast Guard,” Ambassador Theriot noted.
She praised the decision to name the vessel after Colonel Michael Shahoud, acknowledging his legacy of honour and dedicated service.
“He truly embodied the strongest commitment to duty, and as this vessel begins its own tour of duty, his spirit lives on in both the vessel itself and in the crew who were deeply affected for the better by his astute leadership,” Theriot said.
Theriot also noted that the commissioning of the vessel signifies Guyana’s strong commitment to the rule of law and a rules-based international order.
She mentioned that Metal Shark, the U.S.-based manufacturer of the vessel, will continue to support the GDF Coast Guard by operationalising this strategic asset and assisting in the growth and modernisation of Guyana’s coast guard.
Guyana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, reiterated the GDF’s commitment to building capacity and consolidating capabilities through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
“We have been doing just that to the point that our existing partnerships are at their highest peak in the history of our defence relations,” he stated.
Brigadier Khan also mentioned ongoing talks with the United States regarding training and spare parts for the new vessel.
The ‘GDFS Shahoud’ is designed for a range of missions, including national defence, search and rescue, law-enforcement operations, and environmental protection. The vessel will be commanded by Lieutenant Commander Ronald McIntyre and will be crewed by six officers and 18 ranks, ensuring that Guyana’s waters remain safe and sovereign.
The commissioning of the ‘GDFS Shahoud’ marks a significant step forward in Guyana’s efforts to enhance its maritime security and defence capabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s interests and resources.
