GDF Coast Guard gets three diesel engines from US govt
Stabroek News
November 13, 2002
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard received as gifts from the US government yesterday three diesel engines which are expected to boost its role in the maintenance of maritime law enforcement in Guyana’s waters.
The Detroit diesel engines were delivered by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) cutter Gentian, the visiting Caribbean Support Tender.
The engines which are valued at over US$100,000, along with other accessories, were presented at a simple ceremony held at the GDF Coast Guard Headquarters yesterday afternoon.
Explaining the origin of the engines, a release from the US Embassy said that prior to undertaking its current voyage, crew members of the Gentian realised that the engines were available to a partner nation possessing US-built 44’ motor life boats.
And because of the relationship with the GDF Coast Guard, crewmembers knew that Guyana would be in need of the engines which were set aside when this was confirmed, the release added.
It is expected that the donation will enable the Coast Guard to replace entire engines at a time and rebuild them or perform maintenance on them on shore while the boat itself continues to operate with a replacement engine.
This is expected to extend the lifetime of the boats and increase the operational readiness of the vessels.
According to the release, this will enhance the Coast Guard’s performance of its maritime law enforcement mission in Guyana’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
Only recently, several vessels, registered in neighbouring Venezuela, have been intercepted and held by the Coast Guard for fishing illegally in Guyana’s waters. In one instance, there was a confrontation between a Coast Guard vessel and a Venezuelan frigate.
Coast Guard Commander Terrence Pile during brief remarks expressed gratitude for what he said was the kind of gear needed for the Coast Guard to do its work efficiently.
Pile further noted that “this is a pilot example of what international cooperation of the armed forces can be...”
Pile also said that a request had been made for additional spares which are expected to be delivered when the vessel returns to Guyana next year.
Also presented at yesterday’s ceremony, among numerous accessories, were items ranging from rope to radar machines, body armour and law enforcement belts.
During the official handing over, Commander of the Gentian Joseph Vojvodich noted that great strides had recently been made in law enforcement and expressed the hope that the items could be put to good use towards enhancing capability in that regard.
The Gentian is a joint venture between the US State Department, the US Southern Command, the USCG Atlantic Area Command and the various maritime services of the Caribbean nations. (Andre Haynes)
