Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Paratroopers thrill scores of Berbicians
By Melissa Johnson
NEW AMSTERDAM, BERBICE – The Guyana Defence Force paratroopers were back in action in Berbice. Yesterday, four paratroopers staged a jump in New Amsterdam as part of the 45th anniversary observance of the Guyana Defence Force.
From left: Dr. Esan Reid, Capt. Howell, Warrant Officer Vandenburg, Staff Sergeant Debideen and Lieutenant Colonel Gaskin
Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Gaskin, the Team Leader, called it a “perfect execution.” Berbicians, especially the young ones, screamed in delight and amazement as the paratroopers approached overhead and even more when the Britten Norman Islander aircraft made the final low overhead pass.
The freefallers were Lieutenant Colonel Gaskin, Captain Sheldon Howell, Warrant Officer Vanburn Milo and Staff Sergeant Debideen. The four daring men jumped from an altitude of 9000 feet at 16:20 hours and showcased several breath-taking stunts.
They skydived for 5,000 feet before the parachutes opened 4,000 above ground. The paratroopers landed at the Republic Road venue between the Region Six Democratic Council Office and the National Insurance Scheme six minutes later.
They all possess years of experience in special operations and paratrooping. Team leader, Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Gaskin with approximately 31 years of service in the Guyana Defence Force, has 26 years paratrooping knowledge to his credit. He is the most senior paratrooper and jumpmaster.
Col. Gaskin attended training programmes that were conducted by the Brazilian Army in all aspects of paratrooping.
With six years in the know-how, Captain Sheldon Howell is the current Officer commanding the 31 Special Forces Squadron and is described as a seasoned paratrooper with versatility that stands out.
Warrant Officer Class Two Vanburn Milo is the Sergeant Major for the 31 Special Forces Squadron and is another jumpmaster. Mr. Milo, who was also trained in Brazil, stands out for his fearlessness and smooth landing.
Staff Sergeant Debideen is a trained Medex and a former member of the Special Forces. Mr. Debideen has some 13 years experience jumping and he is known for his boldness and courage in the air.
The Britten Norman Islander aircraft was flown by Captain Alvin Clarke who has to his credit some 30 years of flying. Also accompanying the team was Dr. Esan Reid and other officials.
Lieutenant Colonel Gaskin explained that only four of the troopers were available for the New Amsterdam jump due to other activities being held by the Army. He said before each jump is executed, a review of all that could possibly go wrong is done and corrective action is discussed. In others words, there is a brief rehearsal of emergency procedures.
The team held a Military Tattoo in Georgetown, on Wednesday, as part of the milestone celebration. Paratrooping skills and mass band display were among the things showcased.
Also yesterday, was the GDFS Essequibo port call in New Amsterdam. It remains docked and will be open to members of the public today between 10:00 and 16:00 hours.
In October last year, eight paratroopers staged another airborne display in addition to the sky van making several low passes at Port Mourant. That exercise had to be tailored due to cloud coverage and rain – a dangerous combination for jumping.
Back then, they were expected to free-fall from an altitude of 7,000 feet using their bodies to control the direction and movement before the parachutes were opened. However, only the jump was from 2,500 feet due to the weather condition.
Since 1969 the Special Forces of the Guyana Defence Force had been involved in sky-diving. Prior to 2009, the last time paratroopers were on show in New Amsterdam was in 1992.
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