Flexible, well-funded Coast Guard crucial - Atherly
Stabroek News
June 1, 2004
Flexibility and adequate human and technical resources will allow the Coast Guard (CG) to quickly change from its routine constabulary duties to crisis response and countervailing military action, says Major General (rtd) Michael Atherly.
Addressing a gathering at the Change of Command and Farewell Parade, Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna yesterday, Atherly said that a strong maritime focus is becoming increasingly important in strategic considerations.
The former chief-of-staff, who handed over the Regi-mental Colours to Brigadier General Edward Collins, noted that while marine transportation remains the primary method of trade movement into and out of Guyana, the mining industry may soon produce an upsurge of commerce in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
He said capacity-building in this regard is already receiving attention as well as funding from government, but to achieve adequate defence levels the ongoing transformation process in the coast guard should be intensified.
Peaceful diplomatic and political efforts to solve maritime border issues must be supported by the minimum tactical capability required to underpin peaceful initiatives, said Atherly.
He also said a larger number and broader range of civilians must become involved in defence and strategic planning since without the greater civilian input, there would be difficulties and tensions that otherwise could be avoided.
He pointed out that the University of Guyana and other non-governmental institutions would be good starting points in developing a strong cadre of national security and defence experts outside the military.
Yesterday was the fifth occasion in the change of command of the army.
Atherly, who has 34 years of service in the GDF is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Defence University in Washington USA. He is the first locally trained officer to have ascended to the office of the most senior appointment in the GDF.
Collins, who currently serves as a director of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and as Chief of Guyana's Delegation to the Inter-American Defence Board, is the second locally trained officer to have been appointed.