On Friday, the Coast Guard inaugurated a new forward operating base on San Pedro. The event was timed to coincide with the Coast Guard's eight anniversary and the passing out of another intake of recruits, its fourth. Like everything else Coast Guard, form its right handed salutes to its Seals, the event was draped in red white and blue, as are the plans for what appears to be a very bright, very resource rich future:..
Admiral John Borland - Commandant, Belize Coast Guard
"This station will offer us a platform from which we can launched continuous and sustain operations in an area which remains very sensitive as its known as an area for drug trafficking and other forms of organize crime."
Margaret Hawthorne - Charge D' Affairs, US Embassy
"The program was established in order to build the capacity of our partner nations with the main purpose of enhancing their sovereignty and its design to lay the foundation for a regional security network."
George Lovell - CEO, Ministry of National Security
"And projects have also been approved for the construction of sector south in Big Creek and that is expected to start in 2014. We also expect to get some weapon systems and both training for our professional development of our officers and enlisted personnel. Communication and surveillance equipment and other specialized equipment to support the maritime operations. By the end of 2015, the strategy called for an increased in strength to 365 personnel. We will increase from where we currently are to about 20 of these type of boats that you see out here today."
Admiral John Borland - Commandant, Belize Coast Guard
"Our 30 new recruits, the day really belong to you and your families. You are now fully fledged members of the Coast Guard. You are now a part of a small but elite force. Small, but packing a potent punch. You withstood the rigors of 12 weeks of insanity and you should be proud of your achievement."
George Lovell - CEO, Ministry of National Security
"Treat those that you come in contact with, with fair and with respect. Remember this because although you may not know the person you are dealing with, they may be family members, friends, neighbors of the community that you serve and live in and who knows, even prime ministers."
The base cost 1.5 million US Dollars to construct.
The land for this new base is on the leeward side of the island and can withstand a category five storm.
The coast Guard has 14000 square miles to patrol.
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