Cayman: RCIPS 2021 Recruit Class Graduates from Training to Operational Duty, 29 March

On Thursday, 24 March, 22 police recruits graduated from training to begin operational duty with the RCIPS, along with a trainee of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) who was part of the class.

These 23, comprising seven women and sixteen men, were introduced by Superintendent Adrian Seales, having successfully completed the RCIPS Recruit Training Course. Over the course of seventeen weeks the recruits went through rigorous training, and were also able to spend some time over the Christmas period providing support to experienced officers and gaining their own hands on experience in the Traffic & Roads Policing, Custody, and Community Policing Units, before returning to the classroom for the remainder of their training and final exam. The police recruits will now be placed on shifts across Grand Cayman with 11 assigned to the Eastern District where the need is greatest. During their first six months on the job, they will undergo a mentorship program with experienced police officers, who will assist and guide them. The ACC trainee will be returning to work with the Commission.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper, addressed the recruits saying “It is wonderful to see so many young Caymanians, and of particular note, seven women in this year’s graduating cohort, which helps towards greater diversity in our front line services. Your service within the RCIPS will often require you to put yourselves in danger to protect everyone else in our community. You should know that we greatly appreciate what you do on the front line every day to serve your community and support all who make these Islands their home. I wish you all the best for what I’m sure will be rewarding careers ahead”.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Derek Byrne also spoke to the graduating class giving them words of encouragement and motivating them to do their best. “Policing is a noble profession and one where you can feel proud and satisfied for the role you will play in contributing positively to your community.  It will be challenging at times, and will require perseverance and resilience to manage the highs and lows in a profession where no two days are the same.  Your experiences gained and comradery established during your training will set you in good stead to carve the career you want from the excellent opportunities available within the RCIPS.  I encourage you to work hard, learn from the leaders around you will have every chance to succeed”.

Following the speech from the Commissioner and the presentation of certificates, PC Shemar Dawkins, who was chosen by the Graduating Class 1 of 2022, gave some thoughts on behalf of the class about their time in training. During his speech, he expressed gratitude to the trainers PS Jonathan Kern and PC James Fordyce, along with all of the guest instructors, for all their efforts and for going the extra mile to ensure their success.

PS Jonathan Kern gave some insight into the training and spoke about how the COVID-19 Pandemic affected the training process. He then sought the assistance of the Honourable Deputy Governor, Mr. Franz Manderson, who was also in attendance, along with Governor Roper and PC Fordyce, in presenting the special awards to eight recipients who excelled in various areas during training.

 *   Team Spirit: PC 126 Calasia Burke
 *   Top Academic Award: PC 338 Lamoy Moodie
 *   Resilience Award: PC 369 Tyrik Taylor
 *   Resilience Award: PC 359 Shante Ramoon
 *   Resilience Award: PC 315 Micah Ebanks
 *   Drill and Deportment: PC 319 James Jackson III
 *   Most Outstanding Student: PC 345 Timothy Munroe
 *   Most Outstanding Student: PC 126 Calasia Burke

The RCIPS congratulates the Recruit Class of 2021 on successfully completing their training course and wishes them all the best in their future service to the Cayman Islands.