Coast Guard Enhances Southern Maritime Presence with New Forward Base

The Belize Coast Guard today opened a spanking new station in Big Creek to improve its patrols along the sea and waterways in the southern part of Belize. The opening of the new building comes as part of a celebration of the Coast Guard’s nineteenth anniversary. Since its inception in 2005, the Coast Guard has grown from strength to strength, adding boats, human resources, and training components to its services and having stations at several locations across the country. It has grown from just 50 to over 500 in that period of time.

Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Sr., said, “You know, so now we have a presence in the sector, south of the country, in our maritime waters. This allows for the Coast Guard to be more effectively responded to whatever threats they may face in our southern waters as opposed to straight out of the city.”

Minister Marin added, “So this makes them a little bit more robust, quicker response time, and provide more safety.” He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in terms of manpower and resources, adding, “That’s always something that can be improved and remains a challenge for everybody.”

Regarding the readiness of the team stationed at the base, Marin assured their capability, stating, “They’re extremely ready. I mean, I think if you know anything about the Coast Guard and the training, remember all our training is international, professional standards training. So, I have all the confidence that these sailors and seamen who are here, they know their job, they’re always on alert, so whatever call they would get, they would be able to respond very quickly.”

The facility in Big Creek will provide security for the Big Creek Port located adjacent to it as well as regular coast guard service to the country.