GDF paratroopers battle-jump over St Cuthbert's
Stabroek News
November 15, 2003
Paratroopers of the Guyana Defence Force 31 Special Forces Squadron come into land over St Cuthbert's Mission on Thursday. (Jules Gibson photo)
Nineteen Guyanese paratroopers dropped from the skies over St Cuthbert's Mission on Thursday as they tried out British-type parachutes.
The experiment was successful as members of the Guyana Defence Force 31 Special Forces Squadron were awarded with wings and certificates for their jumps.
The contingent, which has been undergoing training with members of the British Armed Forces, was trying out the LLP low-shooting parachute.
In a series of six waves, three to four men, all with their parachutes opening automatically, carefully timed their drops from as low as 150 feet above the ground to test out the 'battle jump' used in combat.
The exercise went well despite the ever-present problem of changing wind speeds. The difficulties of the task were shown up once when one paratrooper narrowly missed the hospitality tent on his way down.
Jolly good show: Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (left) alongside Captain Steve Ramm of the British Royal Navy giving out wings and certificates to the 19 members of the Guyana Defence Force 31 Special Forces Squadron who completed a parachute-jumping exercis
Both Prime Minister Sam Hinds and officers from the British Royal Navy and Guyana Defence Force were present. Captain Jack Dilley highlighted the squadron's achievement.
"We, the British Forces are very proud of our wings and they would only be given to people who can honour them. You have earned this today."