GDF gets US$1.7M Metal Shark Patrol Boats

By Leroy Smith

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The United States Government through the United States Embassy in Guyana on Friday, March 21 donated three patrol boats to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard.

The Metal Shark Boats which have been built in the United States is equipped with sensitive communication equipment. The boats will be used for searching, waterborne ambush and night movement.

Additionally, insertion, extraction, assaults, blocking action, convoy support, high transit protection and containment are among the other services which can be provided by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard Unit with the use of the boats.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, United States Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt, pointed out that the boats are the first US built boats to be used by the GDF.

According to the US Ambassador, the provision of the boats also form part of the cooperation between nations as part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative which was announced by the United States President Barack Obama at the 2009 Summit of the Americas.

He pointed out that prior to the handing over there have already been training for the use and operation of the vessels as well as their maintenance. Continued training will be offered by the US military, the Ambassador stated so as to ensure that the GDF remains poised and ready to respond to crises.

Meanwhile, Commander- in – Chief of the Armed Forces, President Donald Ramotar reminded that Guyana has a long relationship with the US on security matters.

The President told the gathering that he is confident that the boats will make a valuable contribution to the work of the security forces in Guyana and while Guyana is still a poor country with much needs to be fulfilled, above those needs are the need to ensure that the nation is secured and its people are protected.