PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Some 19 cadets of BPO 4 class of 2019 graduated on Friday, February 25th, during a ceremony held in front of the Walter Kramers Police Headquarters in Philipsburg. The 19 men and women took the oath in the presence of many persons and to the cheers of family and friends.
On hand for the occasion were among other invited guests, the Governor of Sint Maarten His Excellency drs. Eugene B. Holiday, the country’s Honorable Prime Minister, Silveria Jacobs, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Anna Richardson, Members of Parliament including the Chairlady of the House Assembly, Grisha Heyliger-Marten and the Country’s new Chief Prosecutor Miss H. Buist.
The oath taking which was administered by the Justice Minister Anna Richardson was also witnessed by the Chief of Police, Carl John, instructors of the Justice Academy, as well as representatives of the country’s High Council of State.
One of the persons congratulating the young lawmen and women Friday morning was the Governor, His Excellency Eugene B. Holiday. “We have reasons to be proud and thankful that you have chosen to be police officers,” he told the young officers. The Governor also had some encouraging words for the officers as well.
In her congratulatory remark, the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten reminded the officers of the law enforcement international oath of honor. “On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for my actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community and the agency I serve,” the Prime Minister quoted.
“You have bravely taken up the mantle to protect and serve. Your service to your country is unmatched,” the Honorable Justice Minister Anna Richardson told the graduating class, adding “a task that will require endurance, leadership, and most importantly, compassion.
Minister Richardson also had some encouraging words for the young officers. “Today you graduate and prepare to accept the challenge in modern day policing. Each day, whether in uniform or not, you wear a badge of honor to serve the community of Sint Maarten,” she highlighted.The country’s Chief of Police Carl John underscored what is expected of the newly sworn in officers. He remarked: “It’s expected that we be more than a police officer, that we can help people.” He also highlighted some of the activities that the young lawmen and women will have to undertake in order to help create a better society. This includes among others, helping to understand the youths, dealing with a mental health person as well as dealing with individuals on the street.
