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Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson (back row, 10th from left) stands proudly with the graduates.
PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson officiated the swearing in and graduation ceremonies of 13 Customs Officers, 15 Immigration and Border Protection Officers and six auxiliary officers from various governmental departments on Tuesday, November 18.
The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams; Attorney General Taco Stein; Interim Secretary General of Justice Udo Aron; department heads of the various justice departments, department heads of the graduating auxiliary officers, and friends and family members of the graduating class of 2014.
In his presentation, Richardson congratulated all graduates and admonished them to carry out their duties in honour and humility, while respecting the uniform.
The Minister further instructed them to carry out their duties in the service of the people of St. Maarten, and by extension the government and the Ministry of Justice, whilst reminding them to operate within the confines of the law, using persuasion and respectful approach.
He thanked Justice Academy for the successful training of, to date, 135 cadets within the justice chain of law enforcement. Since 10.10.10, the justice sector has been able to offer numerous job opportunities to the young people of St. Maarten.
The Academy was represented by board members Miguel De Weever and Ademar Doran, Coordinator of the Academy Richard Straker, staff members and several trainers.
During the ceremonies the art of self-defence was demonstrated by the cadets under supervision of instructor A. Bell. Swimming instructor Franklyn Carty was also in attendance.
Following the ceremony, all graduates were congratulated by those in attendance in an informal reception held at Belair Community Center.
