Nine join police ranks

Nine recruits were added to the Royal Cayman Island
Police ranks in a Passing Out Parade and graduation ceremony in front of
family, friends and well-wishers at the Harquail Theatre on Friday.

Acting Governor Donovan Ebanks presented special awards
for Best Overall and Best Academic Student to PC Adam Milburn; Best Physical
Performance to PC Barbara Dailey; and Best Drill to PC Cary Hunte.

Mr. Ebanks said that never in his years of attending the
police ceremony had he seen such an excellent display of rifle precision.
Attendees also admired the exemplary display as the recruits demonstrated their
skill in rifle procedures.

Mr. Ebanks congratulated the RCIPS for bringing a new
breed of policing to the Cayman Islands. He encouraged graduates to seek ways
to improve their development and further their skills. “This is a new you,” he
said. “You have taken an oath to serve your community to the best of your
ability.”

Noting the two women among the new recruits, Mr. Ebanks
urged them to be ambassadors in encouraging other women to join.

In his student address, PC Andrew Ngyou said even though
the group came from diverse backgrounds, they had grown together, overcome
obstacles and bonded during their 15-week training as the class of 2010.

Police Commissioner David Baines commended the new
officers on their achievement and thanked family and friends who supported
them.

He said the role of policing has become more complex, and
that the new officers would face demands beyond those he faced when he joined
the force more than 30 years ago. “We need to develop you at every stage of
your careers and ensure you continue in the service as a professional,” he
said.

Mr. Baines spoke of the partnership with the University
College of the Cayman Islands in which recruits were involved, an endeavour he
said has been a huge success. He thanked members of the faculty for their
support.

He also encouraged the new officers to remember their
training, the law and the oath they took, and reminded them not to be afraid to
make mistakes. He said they would make them on their first day and their
last.  “People do not expect perfection;
they will forgive your mistakes if you were trying to do your best.”

He concluded by congratulating the officers, and said he
looked forward to working with them.