Ten officers from the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) have successfully completed specialised operational training in Cayman Brac, as part of CBC’s continued commitment to strengthening professional standards, operational capability and financial crime enforcement across the organisation.
The training, delivered by CBC’s Anti-Money Laundering Unit (AMLU), focused on Professional Standards and Ethics; Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF); and Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS).
Officers received practical instruction on professional conduct, integrity, accountability, confidentiality and ethical decision-making. The programme also strengthened their understanding of key AML/CFT/PF principles and the frameworks established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Operational areas covered included trade-based money laundering, cross-border cash risks, cash detention and seizure procedures, suspicious activity reporting, investigative indicators and referral procedures. The training also examined CBC’s important role in supporting the Cayman Islands’ wider efforts to combat financial crime and protect national security.
Officers received specialised instruction on Targeted Financial Sanctions and completed an operational competency assessment designed to reinforce their understanding and practical application of the material.
Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, welcomed the continued investment in strengthening CBC’s capabilities.
“Investing in the capacity and professional development of our Customs and Border Control Officers strengthens not only our operational readiness, but also the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a jurisdiction committed to strong AML/CFT standards. Building expertise across our teams and ensuring officers are equipped to identify and respond to financial crime risks demonstrates our continued commitment to international best practices, robust border controls and the protection of our financial system. Importantly, delivering this training in the Sister Islands demonstrates our commitment to equitable service delivery and ensuring that officers across all three Islands have the knowledge, skills and capacity to effectively support CBC’s mandate.”
Director of CBC, Marlon Bodden, who also participated in delivering the training, said, “Continuous professional development is fundamental to building a capable, resilient and high-performing Customs and Border Control Service. Our officers must have the knowledge, judgement and operational skills required to respond effectively to an increasingly complex border security and financial crime environment.
As part of my strategic priorities for CBC, there will be a sustained focus on training and capacity building across the department. We will continue to provide officers at all levels with the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out their functions effectively, professionally and with the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
I am particularly pleased that this training was delivered in Cayman Brac. It is important that officers across all locations have access to meaningful development opportunities and are equally equipped to contribute to CBC’s mandate of protecting the Cayman Islands’ borders and supporting national security.”
The Acting Assistant Director in charge of Cayman Brac, Devin Tatum also welcomed the training, noting the value of providing specialised professional development opportunities to officers in the Sister Islands. “This training was a valuable opportunity for our officers in Cayman Brac to strengthen our knowledge and practical skills in areas that are increasingly important to CBC’s work. Providing specialised training locally ensures that we remain equipped, confident and prepared to respond effectively to the operational challenges we may encounter.
We thank Director Bodden and the other facilitators for delivering this important training and appreciate the continued investment in the professional development of officers in the Sister Islands. These opportunities are invaluable in strengthening the capacity of our team and enhancing CBC’s capabilities.”
The training was facilitated by CBC personnel, including Director Marlon Bodden, Supervisor Martin Bodden Jr., and Compliance Officers Livingston Bailey and Cameca Parker, with contributions from Statistician Luisa McLaughlin.
The two days training concluded on 1 September 2026 with a reception and presentation of certificates at The Alexander Hotel in Cayman Brac, recognising the officers’ successful completion of the training.
CBC remains committed to investing in its personnel through continuous training and professional development, ensuring officers throughout the Cayman Islands are equipped to respond effectively to evolving border security and national security risks.