From Recruits to Coast Guard: Forty-Nine Ready to Serve

Thirteen tough weeks. Early mornings, relentless drills, and no room for shortcuts. Today, forty-nine young Belizeans crossed the finish line and into service. At Coast Guard headquarters, Recruit Intake #12 graduated, marking the moment they traded trainee status for real responsibility on Belize’s waters. The ceremony wasn’t just about completion; it was about transformation. Commanders say these new members leave the program sharper, stronger, and ready to defend the country’s maritime borders. And for the graduates, it’s the start of something bigger: a commitment to protect, serve, and stand on the frontlines for Belize.

 

Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“Today is a proud day for the Belize Coast Guard as we welcome forty-nine new members to our ranks. Three months ago the men and women standing before you arrived at this institution as civilians, young people who made the most consequential decision to step forward. They came with potential, hope and a willingness to be tested. Today they leave a s Coast Guard men and women of Belize. That transformation does not happen by accident, it is earned and you earned it.”

 

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister

“Today marks a proud and significant milestone, not only for the forty-nine recruits standing before us, but also of or the Belize coast Guard and our nation as a whole. To the graduating recruit I extend sincere congratulations on successfully completing thirteen weeks of demanding weeks of military training. You have endured physical hardship, mental challenges, discipline, sacrifice and long days of preparation to earn the privilege of standing on this parade square here today.”

 

Commandant Soberanis expressed gratitude to the family and friends that supported the graduating class of intake #12 along their journey.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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