SVGCF honours successful participants of the BTEC CVQO

The stellar achievements of several Cadets here were recognized as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force honoured the successful participants of its third BTEC Cadet Vocational organization Qualifications Organization course.{{more}}

The awards ceremony, which coincided with the launch of the Force’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, took place at the Girl Guide Headquarters on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

The graduates completed Diplomas in Public Services and Diplomas in Music, with most graduates receiving distinction in their passes.

Delivering the keynote address, International Liaison Officer of the CVQO Wallace Williams described the day as “one of the most significant days in the life of all young cadets of SVGC, class of 2011.”

Williams stated that as part of the CVQO course, cadets are trained in core areas of discipline and are taught respect for authority, team work, geography, orienteering, drill, citizenship, confidence, competition, shooting skills and true understanding and safety of weaponry.

These skills, Williams stated, allow cadets to stand out from the rest of the crowd at school and later on in public life.

Congratulating the graduates on their achievements, Williams said they have achieved a milestone. “You are the pioneers and have achieved a milestone. Be proud of your commandant. Be proud of your officers who guided you. Be proud that you have been part of this ground breaking achievement which others will surely now want to emulate and follow,” he said.

Also speaking during the ceremony, Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Lewis, giving further details on the programme, stated that the Cadets participated in 30 programmes divided over three training terms. The BTEC programme, he added, was introduced to St. Vincent in 2007. The qualification in the CVQO courses can also grant access to university, he said.

Giving remarks, too, at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller commended the Force on its celebration of 75 years and also lauded the leadership of the force for their excellent work.

Commending the graduates, Miller stated that often the ills of the society are the most publicized and crimes parade the front page of the newspapers. He further appealed to the media, challenging them about which page the graduation of the Cadets will appear on.

Cadets received awards for passing in level 2 Diploma in Public Services 2009 to 2011 and the Diploma in Public Services 2008 to 2010. Cadets were also given awards for Master Cadet and Star 4.

Major Idealia Ferdinand, the first female major in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was awarded the Caribbean Cadet Medal. Entertainment also came from graduating cadets. (OS)