Nine receive certificates after Coast Guard training

Persons who were unable to complete the just concluded boat handling and maintenance workshop may have another chance to do so in the not too distant future.{{more}}

The promise was made by Commander of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Services Brenton Cain, at the closing ceremony recognizing the nine persons who successfully completed the one-week programme.

The workshop, which took place from March 16th to 20th at the Tourist Information Centre in Union Island, was facilitated by the SVG Coast Guard and the Tobago Cays Marine Park’s Sustainable Livelihood Project.

More than thirty participants, from fisher folk to Park Rangers and water taxi operators attended the workshop, but due mainly to work commitments, only nine were able to attend the full course.

Cain, addressing the participants and members of the TCMP, said that his organization is willing to conduct more courses such as those, seeing that there is “a hunger for knowledge” in the areas covered, which included navigational, electrical and mechanical theory and troubleshooting, knots and splicing of ropes, communications and rules of the road.

He asked for patience from those eager for training, noting that the SVG Coast Guard is a young organization and is in itself undergoing training.

He however promised to make his officers available when possible.

The workshop was organized by the TCMPSLP in an effort to improve the skills of persons who are involved in the marine industry.

Completing the course and presented with certificates were Park Rangers Althea Nanton, Benjamin Wilson, Albert Hanson; Palm Island Captains Cliff John, Philbert Bowens and Richie Joseph; Seamen Derral Small and Andre Tittle and Park Ranger Auxillary Police Owen Isaacs.

They were trained by Petit Officer Edwin Durrant, Leading Seaman Alvis Daniel and Able Seaman Kurtdale Francois. (JJ)