Latest CICG recruits graduate

By Staff Writer

Thirteen Cayman Islands Coast Guard recruits – 11 men and two women – have just graduated to become junior officers in one of the newest law enforcement agencies for Cayman. An event to mark the occasion took place on 31 March at the CICG Headquarters on Hirst Road, and saw this second batch of recruits to join the organisation. Class 02 Graduates are all Coast Guard Recruits until such time as they pass their probationary assessments. The first batch had 16 graduates. The Coast Guard complement now stands 37.

Before receiving their certificates and pins, the graduands presented a march past and a guard of honour, which was inspected by the Acting Governor, Franz Manderson. Commander Robert Scotland headed the CICG team and Best All Around Graduate awardee Brandy Barnes led the parade and gave the graduates’ address.

Ms Barnes also shared the Poseidon Award with fellow graduate, Javon Watler-Christian for best academic performance throughout the basic seamanship training. In addition, Michael Ford received the Neptune Award for attaining a consistently high standard for physical endurance and performance during the training. Dimitri Myles received the Mark Luke Memorial Award for displaying the best tenacity and resiliency during the training. Dru McLaughlin secured the Leland Scott Memorial Award for best demonstrating leadership among his fellow peers throughout the training.

Acting Governor Manderson noted that as CICG members, the graduates would be entrusted with the immense responsibility of protecting the Islands’ waters, people and environment, with their integrity continually tested in maintaining people’s trust while honourably discharging their duties.

Lieutenant Commander Leo Anglin in his course report underscored the lasting lesson learned by the recruits during training about the value of teamwork and their readiness to push through the toughest challenges.

“It is a great honour to be a member of the CICG, and it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. With your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, you will help us achieve our vision of a world-class Coast Guard that can stand among the best in the world. Together, as a team, with integrity, you will protect and defend our islands,” he said.

Ace graduate Ms Barnes highlighted the discipline, high standards, physical endurance and determination that were required to complete the rigorous training. She also lauded her fellow graduates for persevering and understanding the value of camaraderie and teamwork while representing “something bigger than ourselves: our three Islands”.

Commander Scotland presented the graduates with their certificates while the Acting Governor and the Acting Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon presented them with their pins.

In attendance were Acting Chief Justice, Richard Williams, Attorney General Samuel Bulgin, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Commissioner of Police Derek Byrnes, other senior government officials as well as parents, other family members and guests.