Coast Guard Serves Christmas Lunch to 400 Seamen

Known for their hard work and dedication to protecting the nation and deterring illicit activities on the high seas, roughly four hundred coastguardsmen enjoyed a special Christmas lunch today. They were joined by the Minister of Defense, Florencio Marin Junior, and Commandant Rear Admiral Elton Bennett. This event was a rare chance for the seamen to catch up with each other, given the nature of their job and their individual postings throughout the year. During the ceremony at their headquarters parade square off the George Price Highway in Belize City, awards were also handed out to outstanding seamen for 2024. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

Every year, around four hundred coastguardsmen and women are treated to an end-of-year lunch to recognize their hard work and dedication in protecting Belize’s territorial waters. Minister of Defense and Border Security, Florencio Marin Junior, emphasized that this luncheon is a vital event, showing gratitude to those who keep us safe all year round.

 

Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Defense & Border Security

“They work 24-7 throughout the year, serving our country, protecting our maritime borders, you know, it’s the very least we can do to show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they do year-round. As you know, the work of the Coast Guard is not Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, it is 24-7. So, when they’re out on patrol, they don’t have the luxury of having to clock off compound. And right there 24-7, they’re out there protecting our borders, and they also help our civilians in times of need.”

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett agreed that recognition is well-deserved, especially since 2024 was a year filled with challenging operations for the seamen.

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“We had some very difficult operations. We’ve, we’ve, we’ve always challenged in terms of, um, providing maritime safety and environmental protection for the country. Um, but the men and women of the British Coast Guard saw that through. And they performed very well. Um, so, this end of the year is when we set aside and recognize some individuals and units as well who were exemplary throughout the year.”

 

During the ceremony, several Coast Guard members were honored with year-end awards. Earl Bodden was named Seaman of the Year, while Dennis Hernandez took home Engineer of the Year. Daniel Gregorio was awarded Coxswain of the Year, and Windell Ogaldez was recognized as Patrol Commander of the Year. Adir Duran received the Serviceman of the Year award, and Jenaro Chan was honored with the Commandant’s Award. The Belize Coast Guard Medical Unit was named Unit of the Year, and civilian driver Abdul Zelaya received the Hermelinda Emmanuel Award. A special highlight was Guillermina Pinnock being named Sailor of the Year, marking the first time a female has won this award. Pinnock shared with the media that it was her late brother’s dream for her to achieve this honor.

 

Guillermina Pinnock, Coast Guard Member

“I’m just so proud of myself because this was actually my brother’s dream to join Coast Guard.  He, he, he got killed at an early age, at the age of twenty-three. And then I just, um, took up, took up the spot, took up and joined Coast Guard. It was never something that I dreamt about, but, okay, I just decided that I had to define my brother’s  career, what he wanted to do. I’m just glad that I’m making him proud and I’m making my family proud also.”

 

Reporter

“So this one’s for him?”

 

Guillermina Pinnock

“This is definitely for him.”

 

Coast Guard seamen and women also won prizes for triathlon and other fitness competitions held throughout the year. In a touching gesture, the team that placed first donated their cash award to the family of Gianna Vanegas, a teammate and Coast Guard member who tragically passed away earlier this month in a road accident. Marion Ali for News Five.