Interns gain entry to immigration work experience
Immigration interns: (standing, L-R) Franz Manderson Jr., Shante Whitelocke, Timisha Edwards, Alejandra Belfoure, Vanessa Bodden, Rhonique Bodden, Kristi Welds, Ericka Rockett-McBean, Felicia O’Connor and David Scott; (seated, L-R) Ashley McLean, Kisha Stewart, Dylan Evans, Dimitri Ritch and Jenneska Johnson (missing from photo: Jacob Wood, Alexis McDonald and Nika Myles)
(CNS): This summer the Department of Immigration has hosted 18 interns as part of the government’s work-experience programme for college and high school students, with their employment running from 7 July to 31 August.
Through work in various sections of the department, the interns are gaining an in-depth awareness of the functions of immigration. These sections include work-permit administration, passport and corporate services, enforcement, border control (airport) and headquarters which consists of the public counter, filing, human resources, accounts and business analysis.The participants are Felicia Connor, Dimitri Ritch, Ericka Rockett-McBean, Rhonique Bodden, Jenneska Johnson, Kisha Stewart, Dylan Evans, Ashley McLean, Franz Manderson Jr, Kristy Welds, Shante Whitelocke, Vanessa Bodden, Alejandra Belfoure, Timisha Edwards, David Scott, Alexis McDonald, Nika Myles, and Jacob Wood.
Kisha, a University College of the Cayman Islands student who has been assigned to immigration headquarters, said this was a “unique experience”. She is gaining valuable knowledge working at the counter and assisting different personnel, she said.
Interning in the independent means section, David said he is thankful for the opportunity to gain insight into processing applications for permanent residency and Caymanian status. He said he would like to continue a working relationship with the department during his holidays, and is hoping to be employed full-time at immigration after graduation from university.
Alexis, an intern with passport and corporate services, said she is particularly pleased and encouraged with the support and assistance she has received from staff.
Acting director of boards and work permits Shari Powell spoke of her section’s intern. “Timisha is an excellent intern who applies herself diligently and consistently to the assigned task. It is a pleasure having her work in this section.”
Bruce Smith, acting chief immigration officer, expressed his appreciation to the staff accommodating the summer interns despite their own busy schedules. “Providing a positive interest and experience for young adults while showing them how we conduct business and serve the community on a daily basis has been a rewarding opportunity for the department,” he said.
Category: Civil Service, Youth
