Virgin Islands Customs officers captured the top three positions at the Junior Officer Basic Training Programme in St. Kitts and Nevis, completing the regional course and returning to the territory on Friday, April 3.
Officer Khemoe Foy Jr. led the cohort with a first-place finish, followed by Officer Rebecca Frett in second and Officer Jevon Walwyn in third. Officers Deshawna Hamilton and Travis George also performed strongly, placing fourth and sixth respectively, with all five officers completing the programme.
The officers were welcomed at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, Acting Commissioner of Customs Clinton Romney, and other government officials.
The training programme covered key areas of customs operations, including cargo reporting, tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, cargo and vessel search, passenger assessment, drug identification, baggage search, and enforcement procedures such as arrest, detention and seizure. Officers also received instruction in ethics, customer service, agriculture controls and report writing.
The programme included both classroom instruction and practical exercises, as well as daily physical training.
Acting Commissioner of Customs Clinton Romney said the training represents a key milestone for the officers.
“I am extremely proud of our officers for successfully completing the Junior Officer Basic Training (J.O.B), a key milestone in their professional development,” Romney said.
He added that the officers are expected to apply their training upon returning to duty.
“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,” he said.
Romney also thanked the Customs Administration in St. Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council for their roles in delivering the programme.
The delegation was led by Officer Rebecca Frett.
