I would like to thank all those who were responsible for inviting Den Den and I to the 137th Passing Out Parade on Wednesday, September 11, at the Regional Police Training Centre, Seawell, Christ Church.
It was a very impressive ceremony for the 52 recruits from the Royal Police Forces of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and Barbados. Of those recruits, 32 were from Barbados. What caught my eye was the course motto – Hard Work And Dedication Shall Bring You Success Throughout Your Future. I hope that those who graduated would keep that motto a part of their lives.
Director of Training Tyrone Griffith BSM, Acting Commissioner of Police, Royal Barbados Police Force, gave some very good advice to young police recruits while delivering his address.
I would also like to congratulate Griffith on his appointment.
The Precision Drill Display, which was dedicated to the memory of late Police Constable 2085 Darwin Downes and was choreographed by Chief Instructor Christine Stanford, was entitled D-A-R-W-I-N.
The Passing Out Parade was a very beautiful function, yet tears came to my eyes when those recruits marched Parade Square for the last time and shook hands and wished each other goodbye to the music, Time To Say Goodbye, knowing that some of those at the Passing Out Class 137 may never see each other again. Parting is never easy! Crybaby that I am, I asked myself why I cry at everything. I know why Sue Thompson cried – because Sad Movies made her cry. But everything makes me cry.
To all those new policemen and policewomen – a very successful career and you must never forget the friendships you built.
