David Baines Commissioner of Police

By Kevin Shereves
kevin@caymannetnews.com

Eighteen new officers were welcomed into the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) at a graduation ceremony for Recruit Class 1, 2009 at the Harquail Theatre in Grand Cayman on Friday, 24 July.

The graduates were presented with their certificates, which granted them the right of passage as fully-fledged police officers. H.E the Governor Stuart Jack presented the certificates. Six graduates also received special awards for their outstanding commitment and ability.

The graduating RCIPS officers are PC213 Edgar Abat, PC142 Ricky Bent, PC128 Cody Bowen, PC;221 Charles Ebanks, PC133 Kara Ebanks, PC168 Harvel Grant, PC152 Floriza Guevara, PC120 Leonard Hydes, PC149 Terryanne Iton, PC170 Doreen McDonald, PC198 Nakea Mendez, PC208 Love Prabhakar, PC186 Lester Robinson, PC131 Dwayne Seymour, PC139 Tyvonne Solomon-Mennes, PC122 Ian Terry, PC169 Sedroy Thomas and PC172 Hugh Williams.

The ceremony began with a Royal Salute followed by an inspection by H.E the Governor Stuart Jack.

“It is great to see the enthusiasm coming from our new officers. They have displayed courage in the face of adversity and have shown their desire to become police officers. They are a good mix of individuals including five women and we are very pleased with their accomplishments and we are very proud of them,” the Governor said.

Detective Inspector Kim Evans offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the new recruits and prayed that the new officers be guided by wisdom.

“I pray that the new recruits be given the wisdom to execute their duties as police officers as they embark on their careers with the RCIPS,” he said.

Commissioner of Police David Baines presented special awards to the top six recruits. The award for “Best Overall” student went to PC Kara Ebanks. The award for “Best Academic” student was captured by PC Orville Grant. The Award for the second best academic student was presented to PC Tyvonne Solomon-Mennes. PC Hugh Williams won the award for “Best Drill” and the award for the “Most Improved Drill” went to PC Terryanne Iton. The award for best overall improvement went to PC Floriza Guevara.

“I have seen a great commitment from the 18 new Police Officers who have stood up with the desire to serve their community. We all have one purpose which is to serve our community and I am delighted because our new recruits are surely needed and they will make a big difference and will do their best to serve our community,” Commissioner Baines said.

Ms Ebanks said her top performance comes as a result of hard work and prayers. She also experienced a tragedy during training.

“It was a very long 14 weeks and we could not have made it this far without God. I experienced a great tragedy throughout the process during which time all the recruits stood by me, as did the entire RCIPS,” she said.

“My commitment is to make a positive difference in my community and I am ready for the challenges that lay ahead.”

In addressing the graduates, George Town’s Member of the Legislative Assembly Ellio Solomon was impressed with the level of training undertaken by the recruits.

“I can tell you that I was touched when I heard about some of the rigorous training involved. The recruits are entering the force at a time when we are faced with a difficult economic climate and at a time when crime is a serious issue in our Islands,” he said.

“Our new officers have shown much dedication in their desire to fight crime and our Government has pledged to support the RCIPS in their efforts to fight crime throughout the Cayman Islands.”

Leslie Franklin, Senior Sergeant and RCIPS Drill Commander, lauded efforts of the new officers.

“The recruits have worked exceedingly hard. They all come from different backgrounds and have come together as a group and have overcome some major obstacles,” he said.

“I am confident in their ability to perform their duty as police officers and I am very proud at this moment to be present at their graduation.”

Inspector Dr Anthony White, the head of RCIPS Training Department, said: “This is the first class that has graduated from our new facility at Governor’s Square. Our recruits went through 14 weeks of rigorous training and we covered all aspects from physical training to character development and self-defense.

“We appreciate our cultural diversity and appreciate the fact that our police officers are here as an inspiration to people in the community helping them to empower themselves. The biggest concept we impressed upon or recruits is that policing is a human service.”

Nina Orrett sang the National song and also led the Recruit Class in the singing of the National Anthem.