The new additions of the Bermuda Department of Corrections were announced yesterday at the Passing Out Parade at the Westgate Correctional Facility.

Fifteen men and women who survived two months of rigorous training to become prison officers marched out in style in the presence of their families, friends and distinguished guests. They are the second class of 2007 to graduate.

Divisional Officer Aubrey Eve welcomed everyone to the parade and said: "Today fine men and women stand before me. This is an exciting time for the Department of Corrections. I think every Bermudian should be proud of this team."

Lt. Col. David Burch inspected the group along with Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb before officers Shalena Smith and Dominic Franklin gave an overview of their training.

Officer Smith thanked everyone for coming and said in the process of becoming corrections officers, they have hung keys, secured inmates, done policing and concentrated on safety. She also said they have learned many things including CPR, shadowing officers, physical training and drills.

Lt. Col. Lamb sang the first verse of reggae artist, Jah Cure's famed song, "Prison Walls (Reflections)" in reference to the inmates the officers will have to deal with on a daily basis. The chorus says: "I swear, I can be a better man/ I swear if only you could understand/ The faith in me shall set me free reflection."

Lt. Col. Lamb said he was proud of what the officers had accomplished and said: "I am certain the new officers have become better people, citizens and servants."

He told the officers they are shining examples of what the organisation produces and reminded them they are officers to serve. He also told them their duty is to treat inmates with dignity, respect and humanity.

Sen. Burch thanked the officers for joining the Department of Corrections and said: "This service mirrors what I do in this job and what you do in your job. There is no reason you're path should not lead you to this podium as the Minister or Commissioner."

He told the officers their aim should be to return an inmate back to society far better than when then came to the prison. Sen. Burch also said this may be his last term as Minister of Public Safety and explained it has been his pleasure to serve in that capacity.

The new recruits are Jackie Bennet, Dimitri Broadley, Ronald Darrell, Cymande Davis, Shakeya DeRoza, Shannon DeRoza, Dominic Franklin, Antoneika Fubler, Steven Mendes, Link Smith, Shalana Smith, Kingsley Trott, Sakena Wall, Mark Wilson and Lynden Woods.