BELIZE CITY, Wed. Dec. 9, 2020– The Belize Port Authority has a new Ports Commissioner, Major H. Gilbert Swaso (Ret’d), effective December 7, 2020.
A Belize Port Authority release says that “Major Swaso, who is from Dangriga Town, is a renowned Maritime Expert and a Certified Master Marine Surveyor. He takes over the helm of the Belize Port Authority from Mrs. Merlene Bailey-Martinez, who retires after leading the organization for 7 years.
“Minister of Public Utilities and Logistics, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, in conjunction with the Chairman of the Belize Port Authority’s Board of Directors, Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d), called Major Swaso “an exceptional leader … his track record and presence in the maritime community has certainly made him the right candidate.”
“Major Swaso is a highly trained officer who served within the Belize Defence Force for 24 years. He also served at the National Emergency Management Organization and the Belize Port Authority as the Operations Manager and Deputy Ports Commissioner,” continued the release.
The Major’s resume is impressive: “Major Swaso attended the School of Infantry in Warminster, England, where he became the first International student to earn the grade of Distinction on the Skill-At-Arms and Minor Tactics Instructor Course.
“He later attended and graduated from the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. He went on to attend and graduate from the Advance Infantry Officers Course. He was seconded to the Regional Security System in Barbados, where he served as the Staff Officer Training.
“Major Swaso graduated with honours from the University of Belize after completing a course in Para-legal Studies and graduated with merit from University of West Indies after completing the Legal Method and Writing course.
“Major Swaso is a Certified Master Marine Surveyor and a Marine Cargo Surveyor,” said the release.
The Major was humble in his response: “I am honoured and excited to have been selected to lead this esteemed organization. I look forward to working with the employees of the Belize Port Authority whilst maintaining a harmonious relationship with the maritime community and stakeholders to ascertain safety of life at sea and the maritime environmental protection.”