The President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell recently received a courtesy visit from the Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean and Director of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Brigadier General D.A. Swijgman.
Brigadier General D.A. Swijgman will be turning over his command on June 16 to Commodore H.R. Lodder.
“I have been a strong supporter of the Kingdom Coast Guard Section Caribbean. It is a necessity in the world that we live in today. Our Caribbean region is an area that warrants the cooperation of various law enforcement agencies working together.
“Small island nations and countries like ours in the region face a number of challenges such as drugs trafficking, human smuggling and other types of border crossing crimes. A well-equipped and manned Coast Guard is very much relevant for 21st century crime,” President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.
President Arrindell added that she is very pleased that on June 16 at the graduation ceremony which will take place at the Naval Base Parera in Curacao, approximately 10 new members all hailing from country Sint Maarten, including the niece of the President, Richeline ‘Kiki’ Arrindell, will embark on a new career in law enforcement on the seas.
“It shows with perseverance, hard work and dedication by all involved, we can make Sint Maarten a safe and secure place for all.
“I am also grateful to Coast Guard Sub Station Chief Edison Kiringdongo, BG Swijgman, former Minister of Justice Hon. Roland Duncan, and current Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson, for their part in ensuring the participation of our young people in the Coast Guard organization,” President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.
