Rain dampens passing out parade

THE USUAL style and flair that comes with passing out parades at the St James Barracks was not present yesterday due to inclement weather that flooded the parade ground resulting in a switch to the Barracks Square. Heavy showers also caused the passing out parade to be delayed by more than one hour and the programme to be slashed in half, with several displays including those from the Canine Unit, the recruits themselves, the retreat by the trainees and the lowering of the flags not being seen. 

The national anthem was not even played and acting Commissioner of Police Everald Snaggs told the hundreds gathered that they missed a two-hour display by the 250 recruits, whom see said would have exhibited skills that they learnt during their training period. Only after speeches by National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee and Snaggs did the crowd get just a little taste of what was anticipated.  The little they saw, however, appeared to have satisfied them. As Assistant Commissioner of Police Winston Cooper announced to the crowd that the venue will be switched, some of the recruits themselves were seen lifting chairs and podiums to be taken to the new location. Some of the crowd had to change locations after ACP Cooper ordered them to do so and when everything was settled, Chin Lee, Snaggs and Cooper inspected the recruits, five of whom were later commended for their performance during the eight months of training. WPC Ramjug was adjudged Best Recruit Stick having gained the highest marks in all examinations.  Second to her was PC Jeffrey who delighted the crowd with his stylish yet responsible marching.