Brazilian Naval Task Group to assess local Coast Guard

Apr 23, 2014 News

Before the Brazilian Naval Task Group visiting Guyana as part of the annual Guyana/Brazil exercise “Operation CARIBEX” leaves tomorrow, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Coast Guard will be assessed by the visitors based on their performance and the integrity of the Essequibo; the Army’s Flagship .

From left: GDF Coast Guard Commanding Officer, Gary Beaton; War and Sea Captain Jackson Sales Da Silva and Brazilian Military Attaché Ronaldo Pacheco

The Essequibo, which was purchased from the nation’s Portuguese-speaking neighbours, was also repaired by the Brazilians and is a sister ship to the Bocaina, which along with another patrol vessel; Grauna, docked at the Coast Guard Wharf, Ruimveldt on Monday.
The Coast Guard’s Commanding Officer, Gary Beaton said that last year some eight ranks were sent to Brazil as part of the annual exercise, but this year, ranks will be training on board the Brazilian naval vessel and the Essequibo. Training, he explained, will entail man-overboard drills and damage control, to name a few.
“At the end of this exercise, it is expected that they will let us know the state of Essequibo; the condition and integrity of the machinery and the skill level of the crew.” Beaton explained further that the Brazilian navy has four similar ships to the Essequibo and thus, has the expertise on the vessel, hence their privilege to be partnering with Brazil on these navy exercises.
Brazilian Military Attaché Ronaldo Pacheco said that the annual exercise is important to both Guyana and Brazil as it aims to strengthen ties with countries on it borders. He said it is also important for all South American countries to strengthen their ties to provide security for international and human traffic, in river and sea patrols.
War and Sea Captain Jackson Sales Da Silva, said that from Guyana, the naval vessel’s next stop is Paramaribo, Suriname and then on to Cayenne, French Guiana, to continue to strengthen ties there.

Brazilian patrol boat Bocaina (at right) alongside Grauna

Captain Sales Da Silva had also paid courtesy calls on the Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green and the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips.
The Brazilian vessel will be open to the public today from 1400 hours (2 pm) to 1700 hours (5 pm).