Two STENAPA staff (and 11 other civil servants) were sworn in as Buitengewone Agenten van Polite (BOA/BavPol) agents of the Korps Police Caribbean Netherlands by Caribbean Netherlands Police Chief Jose Rosales at Vincent Astor Lopes Legislative Hall in St. Eustatius on Monday, March 11.

The new agents were all smiles as they recited their pledge to uphold their duties. The agents began their course in September 2018. They will receive their official certificates at a later date. The new agents can report persons who act against the Nature Legislation.

The BavPol officers have the authority to stop persons and address them on any violation such as public littering, waste collection, conditions in which persons are transporting waste materials, and illegal dumping and can ascertain whether a person is allowed to transport waste materials, amongst other things. The new agents are set to start inspections as of April 1.

Caribbean Netherlands Prosecutor Martine Boheur said she was encouraged and excited when she heard that such a large number of persons was being sworn in. Also, in attendance at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner Mervyn Stegers; Inspector Chief of Basic Police Care Robelto Hodge; Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco; Acting Police Chief Frank Nous and the families, colleagues, friends and well-wishers of the agents.