The sixteen (16) officers of the graduating class are: Alexica Bolt; Annemarie Wilson; Deliegh Griffiths; Derrick Neysmith, Elizabeth Burey; Jamel Winton; Jose Rico; Keanu Atkinson; Mase Beckford; Michael Tibbetts; Patrick Comrie; Roger Watler; Shaniquica Douglas; Shaquille Roberts; Stephanie Martin and Tavoy Bennett.
Grand Cayman, 29 April 2025 – Sixteen proud Caymanians were officially welcomed into the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) as the newest officers during a formal ceremony held on 24th April 2025 at the Harquail Theatre.
The CBC Officers successfully completed an intensive ten-month Basic Training Course which incorporated both theory and practical elements of the role. The syllabus included topics such as Enforcement, Migration, Passport and Baggage Control, Passenger Processing, Trade and Revenue, Compliance and Investigations, Case File Preparation, the CBC, Misuse of Drugs, Firearms, Immigration Transition and other Acts and Court Procedures among other key topics.
In addition to family and friends of the graduates, other esteemed persons were in attendance. These persons included the Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Attorney General Hon. Samuel Bulgin, Minster for Border Control, Labour & Culture Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Deputy Chief Officer Danielle Roberts, CBC Director Bruce Smith and other senior representatives from the Ministry and CBC.
Special Awards were presented to:
- Most Improved – Tavoy Bennett
- Best Academic Performance (Exam) – Roger Watler
- Best Research Paper – Derrick Neysmith
- Best Oral Presentation – Tavoy Bennett
- Leadership Award – Roger Watler
- Outstanding Proficiency Score while on Section Rotation – Jose Rico
- Esprit de Corps – Stephanie Bodden
- Drill Training – Elizabeth Burey and Michael Tibbetts
The ceremony’s guest speaker, the Honourable Attorney General, congratulated the officers on their achievement and reminded them of the great responsibility they now carry. He urged the new officers to be role models for their peers, to lead with integrity and honesty, and to take their duties seriously. He emphasized that they must serve with pride, always keeping the trust and confidence of the Cayman Islands community at the forefront of their service. He also reminded the new officers that the CBC Act which includes the Duties and Powers of Officers are of paramount importance.
The Director of CBC Mr. Bruce Smith commented, “We are incredibly proud to celebrate and welcome these fine men and women into the CBC family. Their dedication and commitment to serving the Cayman Islands community is commendable. They have been taught, and I have every confidence that they will uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. As we move forward, these officers will join their colleagues and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our borders, while also facilitating legitimate trade and travel.”
CBC congratulates the new officers and looks forward to their contributions to the continued safety, security, and prosperity of the Cayman Islands.
