PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – To the cheers of Family members, friends and colleagues, some 16 cadets from the St. Maarten Police Academy officially received their certificates Wednesday morning. The 16 officers, who are part of class 2016, were presented with their certificates during a graduation ceremony held in front of Police Headquarters.
On hand to witness the presentation of diplomas to the young officers were among others, the Governor of St. Maarten, His Excellency drs. Eugene Holiday, Members of Parliament including the Chairlady, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, the Minister of Justice, the Honorable Cornelius de Weever, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honorable Wycliffe Smith and the Chief of Police, Carl John.
During the graduation ceremony and in congratulating the young officer, the Minister of Justice the Honorable Cornelius de Weever referred to graduates as the class of perseverance.
“As I stand before this morning, I am very glad and proud of class 2016. They are a true testament of commitment, and I would like to call this graduating group the class of perseverance,” Minister de Weever said, adding that you must be congratulated for not only passing the course, but for enduring all the challenges along the way, which included hurricanes Irma and Maria.
St. Maarten’s Chief of Police Carl John reminded new police officers of their duty. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of some 16 new law enforcement officers from the St. Maarten Police Academy on Wednesday, the top cop told class of 2016 that they should exercise their duty in a dignify manner.
“For you there are no more excuses to say we didn’t know it. The new normal for you has to be your knowledge on how to mediate between courtesy, professionalism and respect,” Chief John said, adding that the new officers should give service in a proud manner.
“Be proud of your achievement. But, your achievement will be even greater, if you achieve respect from the community,” the Chief of Police Carl John advised the graduating class.
Meanwhile, in delivering the valedictory speech at the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, the valedictorian of class 2016 officer Eugene Juliana reflected on their time at the Police Academy.
He also had some encouraging words for his fellow graduates as well.
