Change in Command ceremonies at National Coast Guard

As of today, Commander Johnnie Borland is now Captain Borland and commandant of the Belize National Coast Guard. At a ceremony held at the Williamson Complex in Ladyville, Rear Admiral and outgoing commandant, Cedric Borland officially handed over the responsibilities and duties of the guard to his successor. The keynote address was delivered by Minister of National Security, Carlos Perdomo. Also in attendance were Governor General, Sir Colville Young, the top brass of the Police and Belize Defense Force, and other government officials. The event had its normal pomp and circumstance such as the inspection of the guard of honor and culminated with speeches by the out-going and in-coming commandant outlining the achievements of the Coast Guard and its future plans.

Rear Admiral Cedric Borland, Outgoing Commandant, Belize Nat’l Coast Guard
“In late 2004, when I was approached to stand up a coast guard I accepted with pleasure, knowing that a Belizean was given the opportunity to create such an organization was really a great feeling. I knew the burden of responsibility was on my shoulders, knowing that the government and the people of Belize had every confidence in me that I would do a good job. And I have every confidence that my successor, Captain Johnnie Borland will follow through and chart the way forward for greater success. Remember success breeds success.”

Captain Johnnie Borland, Commandant, Belize Nat’l Coast Guard
“The Coast Guard will continue to maintain territorial integrity and sovereignty of our sea spaces while protecting the country against nation threats and in our law enforcement duties, we will increase the war against local and trans-national threats including narco trafficking, coastal piracy, armed robbery, human and weapons trafficking, illegal migration, un-regulated fishing and maritime terrorism. In our humanitarian roles, we aim to increase our search and rescue effectiveness, boost our disaster preparedness response and relief capabilities and develop our environmental protection capacity.”