Four officers complete year-long immigration training
Immigration Officer Karena Wright accepts her award from Home Affairs Chief Officer Eric Bush
(CNS): Four immigration recruits have now completed the department’s intensive 12-month training programme and will be deployed on the front line over the coming weeks at the airport and seaport after receiving their badges, epaulettes and certificates at a graduation ceremony last week. Stephanie Jackson, Jonathan Myrie, Darcia Phillips- Branch and Karena Wright were welcomed by the acting chief immigration officer, Bruce Smith, who said “great effort and cost” was involved in preparing recruits for service.
The group received practical and theoretical cross-training with other uniformed agencies that ranged from interviewing techniques to the proper use of a baton. They were required to have a command of local immigration laws, as well as an understanding of human behaviour, through team building and conflict resolution training skills.
Officer Karena Wright received the awards for overall achievement and highest academic achievement.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, who began his civil service career as an intern at immigration, said officers must be consistent in the application of the law.
“It is important that you always provide a warm Caymanian welcome to our visitors- no matter what kind of day you are having,” Manderson said.
The recruits are beginning their career at a time when the management of the department remains in flux as Chief Immigration Officer Linda Evans remains on required leave embroiled in an undisclosed investigation relating to allegations that she misused her office. The immigration boards’ director, Kimberly Davis, is also suspended facing criminal charges in relation to alleged work permit infractions.
Meanwhile, Garfield Wong, head of immigration enforcement, has managed to remain in post while he waits on his case for driving under the influence of alcohol to go to court.
New immigration officers with ministry and department officials
Category: Immigration, Jobs, Local News
In law enforcement there is no room for learning from mistakes on the job as those consequences may have serious effect on an individuals life. Looking at the list of subjects covered in this training shows that someone (Most Likely Mr. Manderson) realizes the need for educated, skilled and cross trained staff in these very important positions. Not only are these officers in their post to protect our boarders but they are also ambassadors of our country and the immigration department. Hats off to whoever made this call it’s highly commendable.. Great Job
Crazy comment about jail time for a DWI never heard that happening before. Someone needs training. Congrats immigration officers you make us proud.
Its the leaving the scene of an accident that is the bigger issue and which can warrant jail time, not the DUI itself.
if it was 6 months you would be complaining if it was 2 years you would be complaining. The fact is the Dept has made this change to ensue that each officer is equipped with the Knowledge they need to be an officer is commendable
It’s interesting that basic training for the UK Border Agency is completed in just nine weeks and that is followed by on the job training. Having had extensive experience dealing with both agencies I wonder if the additional 43 weeks required here is intended to achieve higher standards or simply reflects the relative quality of the recruits.
Probably reflects the Byzantine immigration laws.
I hope they don’t tell people that’s been here 24 yrs from 4 till now that they don’t belong here cause they don’t look and speak caymanian …by the way I have olive skin blue eyes and light brown ….I didn’t get what that was about….
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Meanwhile, Garfield Wong, head of immigration enforcement, has managed to remain in post while he waits on his case for driving under the influence of alcohol to go to court
It must be hard to focus when one faces jail time He must have some really good friends at the top.
Why did the article fail to mention that his drunk driving also allegedly involved an accident where he left the accident scene.
He should of been placed on leave without pay right away
Cool. Anyone know what the law says?
I hope several months were spent on a smile and welcoming demeanor!
There was a whole module on donuts, one on crass pettiness and a double module on sending people away to get documents needlessly notarized when there is no legal requirement. And then they were ready for advanced donuts.
Well done Karena!!!!
Wow 12 months intensive training? It’s true then, Cayman really does take the job of immigration to some kind of art form!
are you serious – it takes 12 months to make them that good…
12 months to make them understand the job, we hop, being good at it now is a matter of testing in real situations