Members of the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten (VKS) have returned from a successful training exercise week in Curaçao. The group, under the leadership of 1st Lt. Alain Richardson, was stationed at the military barracks in Suffisant. From there they engaged in a series of military trainings together with the members of the sister organization VKC.
The program consisted of various exercises, of which some where rigorous and or adventurous. They went hiking and trained how to subdue a riot in a prison environment. A scenario was also devised where a roadblock needed to be set up and suspects had to be apprehended in a vehicle. In the country side of Curaçao hills were climbed and abseiling was practiced, as well as building and using a raft. Shooting techniques and target practice were part of the program as well. The week was concluded with various practical police skills. To further enhance cooperation between the two organizations, the VKC hosted a farewell party at the VKC barracks in Suffisant.
In 2010 a group of VKC members came to Sint Maarten for a similar training week. It is the intention of both organizations to maintain this tradition for the years to come. In this fashion the members can engage in mutual trainings, as well as get to know each other better. In case of a calamity on either of the islands and assistance is required, this can be executed jointly in a well-trained and professional manner. The VKS will therefore host the next joint training exercise in the summer of 2014.
