The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service has graduated 13 new officers after completing its latest recruit training programme.
The recruits completed nearly five months of training before graduating during a ceremony on 22 July at the Harquail Theatre in Grand Cayman.
Deputy Governor Gloria McField-Nixon, home affairs minister Nickolas DaCosta, senior civil servants, CBC director Marlon Bodden, outgoing director Bruce Smith, CBC staff and family members attended the event.
The training programme began on 2 March and covered customs operations, law enforcement, physical fitness, practical field work and scenario-based exercises.
In a press release on 28 June, CBC said the programme was designed to prepare officers for the operational demands of protecting the Cayman Islands’ borders.
The graduates will now take up roles across key operational areas of the service.
During the ceremony, McField-Nixon encouraged the new officers to serve with purpose and integrity as they begin their careers.
She also urged them to maintain high professional standards while representing the service and serving the public.
DaCosta said Cayman may be small, but its borders face complex and evolving threats that require officers to remain disciplined and committed to ongoing learning.
He said the CBC badge represents not only legal authority but also the public’s trust in those responsible for protecting the country’s borders.
He encouraged the graduates to enforce the law fairly, apply legal standards consistently and carry out their duties with professionalism and integrity.
“Authority must be exercised with discipline, judgement must be grounded in law, and fairness must be consistent,” he said in the press release.
Smith, who is concluding his tenure as director, urged the graduates to uphold the values of public service throughout their careers.
He also encouraged them to play a role in the continued development of the department.
Bodden said the graduates would take on responsibilities that extend beyond border enforcement to supporting the country’s security and economy.
“The Cayman Islands’ borders are more than geographical boundaries; they are gateways to our nation’s security, prosperity and way of life. Every decision you make carries significant responsibility,” he said.
“As CBC officers, you must protect our country from emerging threats while facilitating legitimate travel and trade with fairness, efficiency and respect.”
“You are our first line of defence, and I encourage you to serve with courage, humility, and pride.
“We are proud to welcome you to the ranks of CBC and eagerly anticipate your contributions to our organisation and the Cayman Islands.”
Several recruits received awards for their performance during the programme.
Jykalli Swaby received Top Physical Fitness – Male, Best Academic Research Paper, Best Academic Presentation, Best Academic Performance, Best Overall Trainee and Valedictorian.
Ethana Villalobos received Top Physical Fitness – Female and the Intelligence and Vigilance Award.
Anthony Shelley earned Best at Drill – Male and Best Academic Research Paper, while Naomi Carter received Best at Drill – Female.
Joseph Welds received the Esprit de Corps Award, Paul Carmola earned Outstanding Trainee Development and Best Academic Performance, and Christopher Herrera received the Academic Excellence Award and the Leadership Award for Best Class Captain.
