As part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), a new marine vessel, the ‘GDFS Shahoud,’ was officially commissioned at Coast Guard Headquarters on Tuesday. The 115 Defiant Monohull offshore patrol vessel, named in honor of Colonel Michael Shahoud, who tragically died in a helicopter crash last December, represents the latest addition to the army’s fleet.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who commissioned the vessel, stated that naming it after the late Colonel Shahoud was appropriate given his valor, dedication, and unwavering service. He emphasized the vessel’s critical role in bolstering the Coast Guard’s fleet and enhancing Guyana’s maritime capabilities, particularly within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
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In his address, President Ali highlighted the vessel’s importance in protecting Guyana’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and maritime resources. He noted that the commissioning of the ‘GDFS Shahoud’ signifies not just an addition to the fleet, but also a celebration of the strong bilateral relationship between Guyana and the United States. This partnership aims to integrate and expand asset ranges and enhance human-resource capabilities.
“This asset is not only about the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); we are potentially losing billions of dollars in our Exclusive Economic Zone due to illegal fishing and other activities. We have committed to a coordinated and interagency approach to defend and safeguard our maritime space and territorial integrity,” Dr. Ali stated. He further expressed that the vessel’s addition demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s defence-response capabilities and protecting offshore assets critical to Guyana’s economic future.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, also spoke at the ceremony, marking the commissioning as a significant milestone in the GDF’s history and the evolving partnership between Guyana and the United States. “It was truly an honor to attend the commissioning of the Guyana Defence Force Ship (GDFS) Shahoud, named after dedicated serviceman Colonel Michael Shahoud. With the arrival of this state-of-the-art vessel, Guyana is not just acquiring a physical asset, but a strategic partner,” Ambassador Theriot noted. She praised the decision to name the vessel after Colonel Shahoud, acknowledging his legacy of honor and dedicated service.
Theriot emphasized that the commissioning of the vessel signifies Guyana’s strong commitment to the rule of law and a rules-based international order. She mentioned that Metal Shark, the U.S.-based manufacturer of the vessel, will continue to support the GDF Coast Guard by operationalizing this strategic asset and assisting in the growth and modernization of Guyana’s coast guard.
Guyana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, reiterated the GDF’s commitment to building capacity and consolidating capabilities through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. “We have been doing just that, to the point that our existing partnerships are at their highest peak in the history of our defence relations,” he stated. Brigadier Khan also mentioned ongoing talks with the United States regarding training and spare parts for the new vessel.
The ‘GDFS Shahoud’ is designed for a range of missions, including national defense, search and rescue, law-enforcement operations, and environmental protection. The vessel will be commanded by Lieutenant Commander Ronald McIntyre and will be crewed by six officers and 18 ranks, ensuring that Guyana’s waters remain safe and sovereign. The commissioning of the ‘GDFS Shahoud’ marks a significant step forward in Guyana’s efforts to enhance its maritime security and defence capabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s interests and resources.
