Paying homage to an officer who was integral to the development of the Coast Guard Unit, the army yesterday renamed the facility the Guyana Coast Guard Ship (GCGS) Hinds.
The widow of former Coast Guard Commander Harry Hinds, Jacqueline Hinds (left) , after she unveiled a plaque in her husband’s honour at the Coast Guard Unit , Ruimveldt. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (second from left), Coast guard Commander Godfrey George (third from left) and Commodore Gary Best look on. (Photo by Heppilena Ferguson)
A commemorative plaque was also unveiled in the name of Harry Hinds, an officer who the army said served it with distinction and who was responsible for transforming the then marine wing into the now modern Coast Guard Unit.
It is the first time the army is renaming the base in keeping with naval tradition. Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best labelled the late Hinds as an officer who was a towering figure and one who was a consummate thinker and planner who would be remembered for his tireless work to make the unit what it is today. He particularly emphasized Hinds’ work in the putting together of legislation which led to the legal establishment of the facility as well as for the development of the Coast Guard district system.
Hinds spent 34 years of his life serving the military and was the first person to be appointed Coast Guard Commander.
Commander Godfrey George, who is now entrusted with that responsibility, told the gathering at a simple ceremony yesterday which was graced by former chiefs-of-staff and officers, that despite the passage of time, Hinds’ contribution continues to be relevant and his modified ideas important to the maintenance of a modernized unit.
“He was a committed officer … a valuable asset… His service can be considered unmatched and continues to be beneficial,” he stated. He pointed out too that Hinds would always be remembered for his role in formulating concepts pertaining to coastal surveillance and the establishment of radar and surveillance systems which enabled the satisfactory monitoring of marine traffic.
“He was a committed officer whose profound consideration in maritime matters creates scope for perpetual succession,” he added. George said he believed that the quality of Hinds’ contribution was largely influenced by his familial support.
His widow Jacqueline Hinds said she was proud to be attending the ceremony to rename the facility in honour of her husband. She remembered that when her husband was tasked with developing the marine wing, he was teased since he was not fully qualified in this regard. However she said he got to work putting ideas and thoughts together and saw them to maturity.
She recounted it being a herculean task .
She congratulated Commodore Best and called the tribute to her husband, appropriate. In a cheerful tone she applauded the unit saying, “Go Coast Guard.”
Hinds was enlisted in the GDF in February of 1966 at the age of 20 and after being trained at the Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom he was commissioned as an officer in March of 1966, Apart from undertaking an Officer Cadet Course in the UK for which he was awarded the prize of Under Officer, Captain (CG) Hinds also undertook other training opportunities overseas. He was the first Officer to attend the Support Company Commanders’ Course at Netheravon, UK and the first to qualify s a parachutist at Abington, UK. He also completed the Junior Command and Staff Course at Warminster, UK and as a result he was able to join the Training Corp. and executed the first ever formal Junior Command and Staff Course. He later attended the Army Staff Course in the UK and the Civil Military Strategy for Internal Development Course held in Florida, USA. Captain Harry Hinds held many appointments within the GDF such as Platoon Commander, Company Commander (HQ Company), Officer Commanding the Marine Corp, Col Special Duties to name a few. However the most notable appointment was that of the Commanding Officer Coast Guard.
Commander Harmon who provided the biographical sketch of Hinds’ life said that the results of his hard work are noticeable around the Coast guard base. He labelled Hinds a multidimensional Officer in every aspect, “ though he had no formal maritime related training his mind bore exceptional ideas within the field, ideas such as a coastal surveillance system, small boat operations and the Maritime Information System to name a few.” Over his career he was awarded the Independence Medal, Border Defence Medal, Military Efficiency Medal, Military Service Medal and the 24th anniversary medal. Captain (Coast Guard) Harry Basil Hinds retired on the 31st July 2000 bringing to end a distinguished career that lasted 34 years; he passed away on the 23rd June 2003.
A fitting gesture.
I had the honour of meeting this great son of the soil and was so impressed with his work of changing the “RAMP”where i played as a young boy into a respectable Maritime Command.May his legacy live on.
Marc;
Did you attend West Ruinveldt Primary? And if yes what years did you attend?
No Bora!Attended St.Stephens C of H Primary where Mrs.Moriah was the Headmistress.
Harry wanted to be a military officer from the time he was a little boy. While we were at QC, Harry’s mind was totally focused on becoming an officer. I am proud to have known him. This is the kind of product QC used to produce: Scientists, Scholars, Soldiers, Statesmen and Sportsmen.
Please return the school to all male and return to the glorious harvest of outstanding graduates.
If i am not mistaken this man was “BOOTED” out of the army on the very day he attained the age of 55 (that is a ppp birthday gift in Guyana for certain people in Public Service). He asked for a short extension to get his personal affairs in order, that was flatly turned down, in any event he was treated with great disrespect. In Guyana under this present cabal the age 55 is a death knell unless you are a anointed ppp supporter.
He was pushed out of the organisation that he loved and cared about most of his adult life and although he was 55 he had so much more to offer the GDF and his country. He left with a heavy heart and was spiritually and physically broken by the way he was treated, that may have also contributed to his death.
Well, is the age limit a PPP thing, or was it there before them? In any case, I agree that it should go !
The 55 years limit was there since the British ruled Guyana,most of the civil servants in those days came to Guyana by boat from Britain to serve in the colonies this was a reward for serving under harsh conditions.(malaria etc) .It is being used to the “MAXIMUM” by this present Cabal to get rid of people they do not like. The army has been spiralling downwards lately and this is a loseing shot at redemtion
By the way i had the opportunity to see that letter given to Mr Hinds it was noy pretty
I agree with you Observer,
I thing that most of us in this part of the world that blog here are over the age 55 and we are still working, we should thank god that we are not living in Guyana at this time of our life.
lind creek, for your information 55 is the age of retirement in guyana. when you reach retirement age you have to go, no exceptions.
No exceptions expect…
Laurie Lewis – served until age 60
Floyd McDonald – appointed Acting Commissioner AFTER reaching the age of 55
Henry Greene – Three years extension AFTER reaching the age of 55
Clyde Roopchand – LONG past 55 still in the Ministry of Finance
See today’s paper Gem Rohlehr – Reappointed as Deputy Principal – Queen’s College
And many others…
Says who ?, yes there are EXCETPIONS. you left GT too long
Quibian.
I am glad that Harry was honoured-AT LAST.He served with distinction.My husband worked with him and I knew him and his brothers since I was a child.
His father, Basil Hinds-of Jus Jazz fame- died serving his country as well.
Congrats.
A great man who has cast a great shadow, to take the Marine Wing to Coast Guard He lives in the men and women he led and inspired.
R.I.P.