Nineteen graduate from SVG Coast Guard Basic Seamanship Course

Nineteen officers from the Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGA) and other units on Friday, June 20, 2025, graduated from the SVG Coast Guard Basic Seamanship Course (# 1/2025).

The ceremony took place at the Calliaqua Town Hall in the presence of dignitaries, instructors, family members, and fellow service personnel.

In his opening remarks, Acting Commander of the SVG Coast Guard, Deon Henry, welcomed the graduates to the Coast Guard family and praised the successful planning and execution of the five-week course which ran from May 19, to June 20, 2025, a release police release states.

He extended special commendation to Training Officer, Lieutenant Commander William Theobalds; Course Officer Sub-Lieutenant Alvis Daniel; and other members of the training team for their dedication and leadership.

Commander Henry encouraged the graduates to see this milestone as the beginning of a journey of growth and service.

“There are two types of employees—those who go through their careers and those who grow through theirs. Be the latter.” He emphasized continuous development, reminding graduates that “small steps taken daily are more powerful than big steps you never take”.

The Commander also took the opportunity to announce preliminary plans for the Coast Guard’s upcoming 45th anniversary, to be celebrated on December, 2, 2025, under the theme:

“45 and Fortified – Honouring Our Past, Embracing the Present, and Preparing for the Future.”

Sub-Lieutenant Alvis Daniel, Course Officer, provided an overview of the course which is designed for junior and newly enlisted personnel and includes a residential programme focused on building foundational skills in maritime law enforcement and seamanship.

Participants were drawn from various units, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Special Services

Unit (SSU), Rapid Response Unit (RRU), and Narcotics Unit. The comprehensive curriculum covered a range of topics such as nautical terminology, navigation, knot-tying, anchoring, man-overboard procedures, firefighting, maritime law and first aid.

All participants surpassed the minimum 70% pass grade, achieving an average course pass mark of 83.4%.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Christopher Benjamin, addressing the cohort, commended the rigorous training and stressed the importance of applying their skills in the field.

“If you shelve what you learned and do not put it into practice, it would serve no purpose,” he is quoted as stating.

“This organization is older than all of us. It will transcend us, but while we are here, let us set a good foundation so those who come after us could continue to build on it. It is imperative that you build on the foundation that you met here. I implore you to do so….”

“This journey wasn’t easy,” graduate representative CGA, Keyara Gaymes said as she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the programme, “but our unity and team spirit carried us through.”

Deputy Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS), Atlee Rodney, endorsed the course and emphasized the noble mission of the Coast Guard. Quoting Admiral Paul Zukunft and General Douglas MacArthur, he reminded the graduates that their roles go beyond enforcement, they are about “saving lives, building resilience, and protecting your nation’s interests at sea.”

He told the graduates that the course was an extraordinary one which was intensive, comprehensive, and intentionally designed to prepare them for the demands of service in dynamic maritime environments.

“I urge you to remember that you are part of something much greater than yourselves. You are not just members of the Coast Guard, you are officers of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), and by extension, members of the Regional Security System.”