University of St. Martin (USM) reported completion of its first preparatory programme for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard Basic Training Course BOK (see Monday newspaper). This regards a concerted effort to get more Windward Islanders, who have always been under-represented, into the maritime law enforcement agency, based on an agreement made between the two parties last year.
It appears to be meeting that goal with two recruits from St. Maarten, two from St. Eustatius and one from Saba receiving certificates. Of course, how they fare at the BOK in Curaçao will truly determine the pilot project’s success.
The expectation is, nevertheless, that 12 weeks of physical training and conditioning, bilingual communication by learning Dutch level A2, as well as lessons in ethics and moral reasoning, guidance and motivation should greatly assist them in doing well. Further evaluation is to determine whether the tailor-made programme is continued in the upcoming year.
Whatever the outcome, this seems like a good example of local universities getting involved in practical solutions for current problems, in this case relatively low participation in job and career opportunities offered by the Coast Guard. A place of higher leaning should indeed be dynamic and flexible in the sense of adapting to address present needs in society.
