‘Absence of Cadet HQ a historic wrong

Commandant of the local Cadet Force Major Dwight Lewis has described the absence of a Cadet Headquarters as a ‘historic wrong.’ He was at the time addressing the Annual awards and promotion parade at the Girls’ High School Hard court.

The Local Cadet movement which this week celebrated 69 years since its establishment here is without a headquarters. “It is indeed sad and painful for the organization to be homeless at age 69,” lamented the Cadet boss. {{more}}

According to Major Lewis successive administrations have taken the issue for granted despite efforts on the part of the leadership of the Cadet Force to have the matter addressed. “The question is, just how have we been able to survive.” Major Lewis identified youthful zeal and national commitment as the main ingredients which have sustained the existence of the Cadet Force over the years. It was noted by the Commandant that the Cadet Force is the only state-owned and controlled youth organisation. “It is an embarrassment to the State to have to train in excess of six hundred young people in the streets because of the absence of appropriate facilities,” the Commandant stated.

The Guest of Honour Sir Vincent Beache who has responsibility for the Cadet Force as Minister of National Security promised the Cadets that the Headquarters issue will be addressed next year when the government is returned to office. Minister Beache also indicated that very soon the first draft of the revised Cadet Force Act and Regulations would be available for scrutiny and discussion. He commended the Cadet Force for the outstanding service they have rendered over the years. Minister Beache was presented with a plaque in recognition of his input to the expansion initiative in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force and to national development.

A plaque was also presented to the former Commissioner of Police Mr. William Harry in recognition of the support and assistance rendered to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force over the years.

The Commissioner of Police Keith Miller who is also Chairman of the Cadet Force Advisory Committee and Commandant of the Local Forces in a brief address applauded the work of the Cadet Force and pledged the continued cooperation and support of the Police Force in assisting the Cadets.

Several cadets were granted awards for outstanding achievements in the various areas of cadetting. Private Ladonna Woodley received the award for being the Most Outstanding at Local Camp. The most outstanding at the Army Proficient Certificate star 1, 2 and 3 were Private Jared Gordon, Lance Corporal Leston Wright and Sergeant Omari Thomas respectively.

Private Ezra Forde was adjudged the Most Outstanding Bandsman and received the Lieutenant Allan Kirton Award. The Marksmanship award was shared between Lance Corporal Matika Shallow and Private Gracel Naton. The Major St. Clair Leacock Award for the Most Improved Cadet went to Private Ladonna Woodley. The Most Outstanding Non Commission Officer was Sergeant Teroy Paul. Sergeant Tammy Richardson was awarded the Major D S Cozier Award for Academic Achievement while Private Kellon Pierre received the Commandant’s Award for being the Most Outstanding Cadet. In addition to the awards, a total of fifty-three junior and senior ranks were promoted.