Friday, November 27th, 2015. Aaron Humes Reporting: November 28, 2015 will mark the tenth anniversary of the formation of the Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG), the youngest of Belize’s uniformed services.
As part of that celebration, the Coast Guard today welcomed 45 recruits into the ranks as Seamen Apprentices, increasing its strength to 320 total enlisted men and officers, a long way from the original 54 officers that formed the force ten years ago.
According to Commandant of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral John Borland, few knew what the Coast Guard was or would become, but things have changed since then. The Coast Guard has built up a track record of success and taught its members courage, commitment and respect.
The Commandant had some special words for his new recruits. He asked them to remember that while their instructors are no longer shouting at them, their lessons must still be taken to heart.
The top award went to Jason Leslie as champion recruit. A female, Diana Velasquez, was champion shot, a first for that award. Ashanti Velasquez won the award for best overall female recruit.
Edwardo Coh was best swimmer while Michael Perrera was best in physical fitness. Congratulations to all the new members.