Immigration has strength to
do the work, says Holiday
PHILIPSBURG--A group of 21 new immigration officers took the oath in front of Local Chief of Police Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards on Wednesday. Police Chief Commissioner Derrick Holiday said the Immigration Department had reached its strength and could now do its work at the ports.
“You have just pledged to do your job correctly and professionally. You need to do that. I would also like to congratulate you,” he said after the oath-taking ceremony.
A majority of the new workers will be placed at the airport. Some will go to the Simpson Bay and Great Bay harbours.
Richards also addressed the group of new Immigration officers. He said they were the ambassadors of St. Maarten, as they were the first ones to meet persons entering the island. “You have to take your job seriously, but at the same time be very friendly,” he said.
Richards emphasised the integrity a civil servant should maintain. A civil servant must be honest, objective and politically impartial. He or she must conduct him- or herself in a manner that will retain the confidence of the people and government of St. Maarten.
The civil servants should also conduct themselves in a manner that will enable them to establish the same relationship of trust with members of any future administration.
Civil servants must comply with the law and must try to ensure proper and efficient use of public monies. They must not take bribes or deceive or knowingly mislead their bosses or the public of St. Maarten, Richards said.
