“Trust your training.” These words of wisdom were imparted by the Barbados Prison Service’s Assistant Chief Officer, Jeffrey Hoyte, to recruits, at their passing out parade, at the Dodds facility in St. Philip, last week.
“Your future is in your hands. The training during the last 12 weeks has prepared you for what you can encounter within the organisation. Not everything will be straightforward. When the difficult moments come, trust your training. You have been prepared for this,” the Assistant Chief stressed.
The importance of training and knowledge was further impressed upon the recruits by Mr. Hoyte, who stated that: “Training and knowledge allows staff to operate from a position of strength. Training benefits you, the officer, first and then the prison service. Embrace training.”
The 15 recruits performed drills and showcased several skills acquired during their rigorous training, which started in April.
Further advice was also offered by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Yvette Goddard. She emphasised the importance of personal commitment and professionalism in the role of a prison officer.
Ms. Goddard said: “I feel very privileged to be here with you and to share this very important moment in your careers. You are taking on a role in public service that will require a lot of personal commitment.
“People all over Barbados expect a very high level of professionalism because that is what we have become used to over the past 167 years. We have your prison officer colleagues, past and present, to thank for that high standard.”
The Best Recruit award went to Nicholas Wilson, while Amari Griffith copped the Best Shot and Best at Drill awards. Most Improved Recruit was Kevin Trotman while the Best at Academics award was won by Stancia Lovell.
Meanwhile, the award for Best at Physicals went to Shaquan Neblett while that for Best at Control and Restrain was presented to Nichollas Thomas.