KRALENDIJK – Patrick Taribuka will become the new commander of the Caribbean Region Brigade of the Royal Marechaussee (KMar). The change of command ceremony will take place on 11 September. Taribuka succeeds Lieutenant Colonel Gerhard Smit, who has been leading the brigade since June 2024.
Taribuka has extensive leadership experience within the Royal Marechaussee. He previously served as brigade commander in the Netherlands and headed the Noord Border East Brigade. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the public face of border controls between the Netherlands and Germany in that role.
In addition, Taribuka held various other positions within the Marechaussee. He was previously involved in training and later served as a staff officer at the Inspector General of the Armed Forces.
Departure of Gerhard Smit
Current brigade commander Gerhard Smit took over command from Roland Scheltes on 4 June 2024. Prior to his posting in the Caribbean region, Smit was head of the National International Legal Assistance Centre.
The Caribbean Region Brigade is responsible for the deployment of the Royal Marechaussee in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The KMar is also active on Bonaire, including in the areas of border control and police duties at the airport.
The change of command ceremony at which Taribuka will take up his role as the new brigade commander will take place on 11 September.
