Guyana gets 1st search & rescue crew via training partnership with OMNI

In keeping with the Government’s plans to strengthen national security, specifically in the area of aviation, five Guyanese nationals have been equipped with skills to respond to helicopter search and rescue tragedies.
This was facilitated through the partnership with Omni Helicopters Incorporated (OHI), which saw the new Search & Rescue (SAR) Rear Crew completing six months of rigorous training in Canada and Guyana.

The team: Curt Mendonca, Daniel Yorris, Ishwar Parbhu, Kevin Sawh, and Johnelle Ogle (first female), commenced training in January with the primary role as Rear Crew to support the SAR Helicopter.
They were trained to respond to emergency situations that may result in saving lives and delivering critical support to unplanned events to persons in distress or imminent danger.
This followed after their recruitment training and daily examinations, which entailed observing SAR missions and when needed, support missions to safely rescue persons or casualties from vessels, offshore installations, water, or challenging jungle terrain.
Additionally, the team was required to engage in daily swim training at the Guyana National Aquatic Centre to build confidence and stamina.

The various levels of training tested their physical capabilities and technical proficiency to operate helicopter equipment.
On Wednesday, the five Guyanese were presented with certificates of completion and official badges during a simple but significant graduation ceremony at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle East Coast Demerara.
Recalling events from training, Daniel Yorris expressed gratitude for the opportunity to upskill himself, increase his physical endurance, gain technical knowledge and ability to work seamlessly with a team.
“Thanks for pushing us to the brink and even sometimes over it because let’s be honest, you need to make sure that we can handle intense real-life rescues from the icy water of Canada to the scorching hot sun in Guyana… And to my colleagues as we move forward from this day, as we stomp history as being the first ever helicopter search and rescue team remember why we choose this path. It’s not just about being the best winner of the best man on the hook- it’s about being there whilst someone’s worst day turns into the best because of us,” Yorris encouraged.
Speaking on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali, Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop congratulated the crew for their hard work and dedication to developing the aviation sector in Guyana.
On this point, he disclosed that confidence in teams’ ability to become a world class SAR Rear Crew.
“His vision (the President) for our people is that our people should have the ability to get the higher paying jobs, get the chance for prosperity and development of our own, and I am so proud to see two companies-OHI and the local company get together and do a joint venture, win a major contract and to demonstrate this first batch and I’m sure they will be many more to come,” D. Ramsaroop said. (G1)