~ Erling Hoeve recognised as highest scoring cadet ~

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Justice Roland Duncan, training institute ORV Acting Chief Leun Ostiana and Police Inspector Ricardo Henson received 61 graduating BavPol cadets who were sworn in officially at a ceremony at Belair Community Centre on Friday.

Of the original group of 73, a total of 69 sat exams. Five cadets still have the opportunity to graduate after retaking some exams.

Highest-scoring BavPol cadet Erling Hoeve said he and fellow graduates were "clear in mind and satisfied in knowing where they are going." He recognised all those who had supported them throughout the training process. He closed by reminding his colleagues of their core responsibility to the community.

Before graduating on Friday, the BavPol cadets had been placed to work in various law enforcement departments through a temporary swearing-in. Duncan revealed that he had been concerned whether the cadets would prove themselves properly to the department heads. Having made it through the Christmas season, the Minister said he was proud to say that their performance had been exemplary.

In his keynote address Duncan said the ministry was working to create a Justice organisation to prepare the cadets to have careers. He hoped that with the completion of training they would grow in competence and responsibility, and eventually rise within the ranks.

He concluded by saying St. Maarten expected the cadets to provide security and enforce the law.

Ostiana also addressed the cadets and those present. He commended the minister for making the cadets into people who would work. By investing in people, he said, Duncan is building the country.

Ostiana wished the cadets satisfaction in their struggle to erode crime. He explained that satisfaction was a journey and not a destination.

Ostiana also took time to honour two Opleidingsinstituut voor Rechtshandhaving en Veiligheidszorg (ORV) coordinators who had worked closely with the cadets throughout the training. ORV is the training institute for maintaining law and safety.

At the start of the graduation ceremony some BavPol cadets participated in a demonstration of how a suspect is treated when being processed in the various law enforcement agencies.

In the scenario a Spanish-speaking man had come to the island with a live chicken in his luggage. As transporting undocumented animals is illegal, the suspect was taken from the airport to the police station and finally the prison. The cadets showed knowledge of the law, control and language skills.

After the demonstration was complete, Minister Duncan said was happy that the cadets had showed controlled force in handling the suspect and competence in being able to carry out their task. "I'm glad they didn't rough him up too badly, so the people don't think we are teaching them police brutality." said Duncan.

Recruiting for a new group of BavPol cadets is expected to start in June.