HM Customs Officer Khemoe Foy Jr placed first in the Junior Officers Basic Training Course conducted by the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) in Saint Kitts. Photo: SKNIS

HM Customs Officer Rebecca Frett placed second in the Junior Officers Basic Training Course conducted by the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) in Saint Kitts. Photo: SKNIS

HM Customs Officer Jevon Walwyn placed third in the Junior Officers Basic Training Course conducted by the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) in Saint Kitts. Photo: SKNIS

(L-R) HM Customs Officer Deshawna Hamilton, who placed fourth, and Officer Travis George, who placed sixth, in the Junior Officers Basic Training Course conducted by the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) in Saint Kitts. Photo: SKNIS

The five officers received their certificates and awards during a graduation ceremony on April 2, 2026, at the National Heroes Park in Saint Kitts. 

Officer Khemoe Foy Jr placed first, Officer Rebecca Frett placed second, and Officer Jevon Walwyn placed third. 

Meanwhile, Officer Deshawna Hamilton placed fourth, and Officer Travis George placed sixth. 

The officers’ successful completion of the programme marked a significant milestone in their professional development.

The five officers returned home on April 3, 2026, at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport and received a warm welcome from Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Acting Commissioner in charge of His Majesty’s Customs, Mr Clinton Romney, and other officials.

Extremely proud- Mr Romney

Mr Romney said of the officers’ performance, “I am extremely proud of our officers for completing the Junior Officer Basic Training (J.O.B), a key milestone in their professional development.”

He thanked the Customs Administration in St. Kitts and Nevis for hosting what he called a “fundamental programme”, and to the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council for ensuring the training meets both regional and international standards. 

“I also express gratitude to the Ministry of Finance for its continued support and investment in our people. As these officers return to duty, they are expected to apply their training in a dynamic and evolving environment, serving as agents of positive change and contributing to the continued advancement of the department."

During the programme, officers training covered a wide range of critical areas essential to modern customs operations, including diffusion, cargo reporting, warehousing, release and accounting, tariff classification, invoicing, customs valuation, rules of origin, cargo and vessel search, passenger assessment and selection, customer service, drug identification, baggage search, ethics and integrity, agriculture controls, single-use plastics, arrest, detention and seizure, note-taking and report writing, and weapons familiarisation.

The programme also incorporated practical station-based training and daily physical exercises, ensuring officers developed both the technical expertise and operational readiness required in an evolving enforcement environment.

Together we have more & reach further- Dr Terrence M. Drew 

Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrence M. Drew praised the inclusive training programme while giving remarks at the graduation ceremony. 

“As small countries, territories within the region, it is best if we bring all of our resources together because together we will have more and together we will reach further…And this course demonstrates that and is built on that principle that we espoused as Caribbean people.”

Dr Drew also placed strong emphasis on character, values, and personal responsibility as the true test of their success in the field, while acknowledging the technical skills gained. 

He warned them, saying, “There are people who are going to call you and offer you big money… and ask you to compromise the law and your integrity for personal gain…That will happen to you.”

Dr Drew encouraged the graduates to remain steadfast in upholding fairness and discipline in every aspect of their duties, regardless of circumstance.