Thirteen Caymanians Graduate from CBC Recruit Training Programme

The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) proudly celebrates the graduation of thirteen young Caymanians who completed the CBC Recruit Training Programme. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, at the Harquail Theatre.

Persons in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Honourable Gloria McField-Nixon, the Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Honourable Nickolas DaCosta, as well as senior civil servants. Additionally, Director of CBC Marlon Bodden and Outgoing Director Bruce D. Smith were in attendance, along with members of CBC, family members, and other distinguished guests.

Throughout the training programme, which commenced on 2 March 2026, the officers engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included customs and law enforcement topics, physical fitness training, practical field experience, and scenario-based exercises. The training was designed to equip them with the requisite knowledge, skills, and discipline necessary to effectively address the operational demands of safeguarding the borders of the Cayman Islands.

The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of several months of dedication, discipline, and ongoing assessment. The graduates demonstrated the professional competence, integrity, and commitment required to serve as CBC officers and will now be assigned to key operational areas across the Service.

In her remarks, Deputy Governor Hon. Gloria McField-Nixon encouraged the graduates to begin with the end in mind and to be intentional in their service. She urged them to always demonstrate integrity as they represent the Service and serve the people of the Cayman Islands.

She further encouraged them to exemplify professionalism and to perform their duties to the highest standards. Expressing confidence in their future, she said she looked forward to seeing them grow, develop, and make meaningful contributions to the safety and prosperity of the Cayman Islands.

In his keynote address, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and emphasised that, although the Cayman Islands is a small jurisdiction, its borders face a range of complex and evolving threats.

He underscored the importance of remaining adaptable, teachable, and disciplined, with an ongoing commitment to learning and professional growth. He also highlighted that the badge represents not only authority, but also the public’s trust in the officers serving at the forefront of national security.

Minister DaCosta urged the graduates to enforce the law firmly, apply legal standards fairly, conduct themselves professionally, engage respectfully with others, and safeguard their integrity.

“Authority must be exercised with discipline, judgement must be grounded in law, and fairness must be consistent,” he stated.

Outgoing Director Mr. Bruce D. Smith urged the graduates to uphold public service values, integrity, and professionalism in their careers. As he concluded his tenure, he emphasized their important role in shaping the CBC’s future and encouraged them to contribute positively to the department’s growth and development.

Director Marlon Bodden congratulated the graduates on their significant achievement and reminded them of the important responsibility they now bear. In addressing them he said, “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. 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 defense, 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 graduates were recognised for outstanding achievement during the programme:

• Jykalli Swaby: Top Physical Fitness – Male; Best Academic Research Paper; Best Academic Presentation; Best Academic Performance; Best Overall Trainee; and Valedictorian.

• Ethana Villalobos: Top Physical Fitness – Female; and Intelligence and Vigilance Award.

• Anthony Shelley: Best at Drill – Male; and Best Academic Research Paper.

• Naomi Carter: Best at Drill – Female.

• Joseph Welds: Esprit de Corps Award.

• Paul Carmola: Outstanding Trainee Development; and Best Academic Performance.

• Christopher Herrera: Academic Excellence Award; and Leadership Award for Best Class Captain.

The graduation reflects CBC’s continued investment in developing its personnel, the strengthening of its operational capabilities and the preparation of the next generation of officers to effectively address the evolving challenges of border security.

CBC extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class and wishes each officer a safe, successful, and rewarding career of service to the Cayman Islands.