The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard (GDF CG) has launched a two-day Maritime Safety and Security Seminar, bringing together key national agencies in a bid to enhance interagency cooperation and coordination.
Held at the Headquarters Coast Guard, the seminar is being led by Commander of the Coast Guard, Commander David Shamsudeen, and includes department heads and operational teams from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Maritime Police, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Fisheries Department, Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Today featured presentations from the GDF Coast Guard, Marine Police, and MARAD. Each agency shared insights into their current capabilities, assets, monitoring systems, and the key challenges they face in ensuring maritime security and safety.
These presentations were followed by in-depth discussions focused on strengthening interagency responses and building a more cohesive national approach to maritime threats both current and emerging. One major takeaway from the discussions was the recognition that effective maritime governance requires the integration of both regulatory and enforcement agencies. This combined approach, participants agreed, offers the best chance of securing Guyana’s inland waters and its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
It will conclude tomorrow with presentations by CANU, GRA, Fisheries Department, GEA, and the EPA, continuing the effort to identify areas for collaboration and synergy among agencies with maritime responsibilities.
The seminar underscores the GDF Coast Guard’s commitment to fostering stronger national partnerships in safeguarding Guyana’s maritime domain.
