Thirty-nine recruits join Belize Coast Guard

The Belize National Coastguard’s second passing out ceremony for recruits took place today for thirty-five new officers. The proud men and women will now begin their duties in manning our territorial waters and will assist in the prevention of transnational crimes. The ceremony held at its temporary headquarters, Williamson Complex in Ladyville, coincided with the coastguard’s fourth anniversary. News Five’s Duane Moody has this report.

Duane Mood, Reporting
The thirty-five officers were proudly dressed in their crisp uniforms and glistening boots as they were named Seamen Apprentices. For the first time, six women joined the seamen. According to Captain John Borland, the passing out ceremony also marks the anniversary of the Coast Guard.

Captain John Borland, Commandant, Belize Nat’l Coast Guard
“What we saw here two meant two significant things: one is to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Coast Guard and second is to recognize and celebrate with our thirty-five young recruits who spent twelve weeks in training and today have graduated as seamen apprentices.”

Following the thirteen weeks training program to initiate them, a champion recruit and champion seaman were chosen. A modest Charles Francisco took the top spot in both instances.

Charles Francisco, Champion Recruit
“I came into the Coast Guard not know what to expect but with an opened mind and hard work and dedication. I would like to thank God for letting me reach this far. From what I’ve seen so far, it is a great experience. I’ve learned so much—a wide variety of thing—from navigation, dealing with charts and moving about the waters, different laws of Belize, police training which gives us a special constable title. That’s besides our ability to arrest and learn seamanship principles. I’ve learned the different acts that we operate under for example, the Fisheries Act, Maritime Act and so on.”

Also chosen was the best female recruit, which was captured by Keyren Lavaun Tzib.

Keyren Lavaun Tzib, Best Female Recruit, Belize Nat’l Coast Guard
“I feel honored especially because I know I worked hard for it.”

Duane Moody
“What did you learn throughout this process?”

Keyren Lavaun Tzib
“Teamwork—the basis of teamwork.”

Duane Moody
“Have you always wanted to be a member of the Coast Guard?”

Keyren Lavaun Tzib
“Not quite the Coast Guard, but being the member of a family or a union.”

Borland says that the new recruits will be deployed immediately to their respective posts.

Captain John Borland
“These men will all be transferred to either the deck which is the seamen department or the engineer department or catering for administration. The majority are going to the deck department where they will be involved in Coast Guard operations. They will form a part of the boarding teams just like we saw a little while ago and they will be the ones operating and handling the boats and maintaining the safety and security and stability in the threatened areas of the Belizean sea spaces.”

The new intake brings the total members of the Coast Guard to one hundred and twenty. And according to Borland, the facilities can host up to one hundred and fifty-two. Duane Moody, reporting for News Five.