From RCIPS

Standing L-R: Interns Jazmin Robinson, Hayley Webb, Evin Johnson and Charles Evans-Ebanks (missing from photo are Luke Barnard, Michaiah Thompson and Torrie Lewis). Sitting L-R: OCP team Brad Ebanks, Clifton Ennis, Derek Byrne, Nancy Barnard, Roje Williams and Samantha Tate Thompson (missing from photo is Dwight Hunter) 

The Office of the Commissioner of Police (OCP) is again pleased this summer to welcome, under the leadership of Samantha Tate Thompson, Human Resources Officer, a group of interns: Hayley Webb, Jazmin Robinson, Michaiah Thompson, Luke Barnard, Evin Johnson, Charles Evin Ebanks, and Torrie Lewis. They were assigned to several Units within the OCP and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), including Human Resources, Records Management, Community Policing, Crime, Fleet & Stores and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.

This annual opportunity allows the interns to gain work experience and awareness of the RCIPS and the CICG operations. They were welcomed by the Chief Officer and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Derek Bryne, who also expressed his appreciation to the staff for their cooperation in mentoring and coaching.

CO Bryne commented, “OCP must be ready to assist in the training of our young people as they will take on the responsibility of the civil service in the future. I encourage young people to continue their studies, especially in fields that are challenging to fill. It is important that employers model what it is to work in a demanding and essential arm of the Government, providing a positive experience for these young adults.”

Petty Officer Dwight Hunter, Training Manager for the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, shared a motivational quote with the interns: “The best way to predict your future is to create it” (by Peter Drucker) and went on to explain, “Its vital that we invest time in our youth to help show them the variety of careers and opportunities that could be available to them in the front line services”.

Hayley Webb, who is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology with Psychology had this to say, “As a returning intern of four years with the RCIPS I have had a wonderful experience over the years.  The RCIPS provides a positive learning environment which has allowed me to grow and develop in many ways, not only professionally but also personally.  In interning under the HR Unit, I have had the opportunity to work on many projects under their guidance. I have also been allowed the independence and freedom to spearhead projects on my own. While my time here has predominantly been with the HR Unit, I have had the chance to work with other Units gaining invaluable experience. I have also had the opportunity to meet many wonderful hardworking and dedicated men and women, both officers and police staff alike.  In doing so, I have gained a plethora of knowledge and fostered many relationships. I am very grateful for my time here with RCIPS each year and look forward to working with them in the future”.

The OCP’s aim going forward with the internship programme is to introduce students to even more different aspects of policing and coast guarding so that they have greater exposure to the multifaceted nature of our organisations within Cayman Islands World-Class Civil Service. This will then hopefully encourage them to make the RCIPS or the CICG their first choice for employment when they conclude their studies.