Coastguard Graduates Recruit Intake 5
The Belize National Coast Guard held a passing out ceremony today where forty-four young recruits joined the ranks of the organization. Dozens of invited guests, including family and friends, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, converged on Williamson Complex in Ladyville this morning for the exercise. News Five’s Isani Cayetano was on hand and has the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Intake Number Five of the Belize National Coast Guard officially joined the ranks of maritime law enforcement this morning, following a ceremony at the Williamson Complex in Ladyville. Decked in formal white attire, the young recruits marched onto the parade square in full pomp and circumstance.
Lt. Greg Soberanis, Operations Officer, BNCG
Lt. Greg Soberanis
“Today, standing in front of you are thirty-nine males and five females who, through intestinal fortitude, blood, sweat and tears decided to endure the hardship through mental toughness. Ladies and gentlemen, standing in front of you [are] forty-four members of recruit Intake Number Five. Intake Number Five on top.”
Retired Colonel George Lovell, C.E.O. in the Ministry of National Security, deputizing as today’s keynote speaker, acknowledged the importance of the coastguard in protecting Belize’s territorial integrity.
Col. George Lovell
Ret. Col. George Lovell, C.E.O., Ministry of National Security
“They continue to demonstrate that the coastguard service is an essential element of our national security. The protection of Belize’s maritime spaces and commerce from threats, both foreign and domestic, through the provision of maritime security, safety and protection of our people, industries and natural resources have been and continue to be the Belize Coast Guard’s fame to glory.”
As with any commencement exercise, awards were distributed to the top recruits in the intake. Among those recognized was Kluvert Cal. He is the strongest swimmer among his peers.
Lt. Greg Soberanis
“Strong Swimmer Award. Strong Swimmer Award goes to Kluvert Cal. This award is earned by the sailor who excels in his swimming training and assessment above his peers. The sailor with his complicate swimming techniques stood out above the others. He proved himself in the pool and the ocean to be the best at this challenge every time. Strong Swimmer Award goes to, again, recruit Kluvert Cal. The recruits conducted Bull’s Eye Week at the Hattieville Range. This is a one-week training which allows the recruits to apply all the fundamentals of shooting thereby having them effectively hitting targets at designated ranges. Recruit Mario Chan, due to the application of the skills that were taught, was able to earn himself the highest score on the recruits qualification shoot. Champion Shot Award goes to recruit Mario Chan.”
During the ceremony, C.E.O. Lovell also took the opportunity to speak on developments in store for the BNCG in the near future.
Ret. Col. George Lovell
“The Belize Coast Guard will continue to develop based on the coast guard strategy which is at its midpoint of its medium term. By the end of 2015, the strategy calls for an increase in strength of three hundred and twenty-five persons. Plans are already in effect for the acquisition of two eighty-foot coastal patrol boats. The construction of a new multi-complex building for maintenance workshop to house personnel and provide space for a medical center, classroom and stores and also a marina at the coastguard headquarters facility for the berthing, launching and recovery of sea vessels are some of the things that we have in store.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
