Justice Minister Cornelius de Weever’s recent meeting with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (see Saturday paper) included an interesting topic. The plan is reportedly to separate the training for future officers from their maximum five-year term.
One of the obstacles to recruiting local personnel has been this limited service, which in effect means they are provided only a temporary job. Of course, with the knowledge and experience gained during that time many afterwards find employment in the related law enforcement and maritime sectors.
Nevertheless, if the two-year training is added to that maximum term, intended recruits can at least look forward to a career of seven years. The latter could be significant in creating a more stable financial and consequently social situation for them.
For example, it might make it easier to take out car loans or mortgages. This would probably help persons involved better settle into their new function as well.
From an operational standpoint too, the proposed change seems like a no-brainer. Investing in someone to reap the benefits for a period of five rather than three years simply makes all the sense in the world.
