SDA Drill Squad wows crowd at Independence military parade

The National Drill Squad of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) stole the show at this year’s Independence military parade at the Victoria Park.

Last Friday, October 27, the drill squad, made up of members of the SDA Pathfinder group and SDA Master Guides unit, caused the crowd gathered for the 38th anniversary parade to cheer loudly.

The group, 31 strong, wowed the gathering with their choreographed moves.

Dignitaries at the parade included Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Youth director of the St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) mission of the SDA Pastor Brent St Jean told SEARCHLIGHT that the moves were choreographed by Bradley Jackson, the national drill commander for the uniformed body of the SDA church.

Pastor St Jean revealed that last year, the organizers of the parade, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), approached them to do a routine, but they were unable to prepare in time.

He said when they were approached once again this year, they accepted with open arms.

“We are honoured by the opportunity and we will like to thank the police for the opportunity. It was the first time that it was given to a group outside the police force and we are happy for the support and messages we got after; it is truly heart-warming,” Pastor St Jean told SEARCHLIGHT, adding that they have been taking part in Independence parades for over 12 years.  

The SDA has three groups that cater to young people, The Adventurers (age group 6 to 9), Pathfinders (10 to 15) and the Master Guides (16 and up).

The groups seek to instil discipline while teaching drilling, camping and survival skills. They also give spiritual guidance.(LC)