BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “I am challenging you to maintain that physical and mental toughness, which will help you to execute your duties effectively and efficiently, to carry on the offensive on those who continue to disrespect the Law and Constitution of this great land of ours.”
This is one of the charges given by the Officer responsible for Intelligence, Operations and Training, Major Leroy Percival, to two young women and 12 young men who were yesterday (Dec. 3) officially inducted into the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) after successfully completing a 14-week intensive and rigorous Recruit Course.
The Passing Out Parade was held yesterday afternoon at Camp Springfield in the presence of a number of dignitaries, including the Governor-General, his Deputy and members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, as well as family members, friends and well-wishers of the Recruits. Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas delivered the feature address.
Major Percival told the newly-inducted soldiers that they would be doing an injustice to the taxpayers of the Federation should they show fear in the execution of their duties.
“You must not be afraid, or else you will be doing an injustice to the taxpayers of this land who we serve and who we are the servants of. Make no mistake about defending the rights of the people.
“Do not be afraid and do not back down once you have the Constitution and the Law of the land supporting you. You must not allow the minority few to intimidate you and make you afraid of carrying out your Constitutional rights and the Laws of the land.”
He also cautioned the young soldiers to be wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing and not to yield to temptations.
“My deal Recruits, you will find that your loyalty to your avowed goal of being a career soldier would be tested. The temptations would be many and varied. You would find that there are unscrupulous persons who would come to you as angels of light, seeking to persuade you to violate your oath in order for them to achieve their goals and cheap political gains.
“They would even sell their souls for their desired purpose, but you must not hear them. Though it may be hard for you, resist the evil and do the good. In spite of temptations, as honest soldiers you must remain true to your oath, true to your country and true to your God. As soldiers, I would admonish you to buy the truth and sell it not. Strive always for what is good, noble and upright. Remember that a good name in man or woman is the immediate jewel of the soul.”
Earlier in his address, Major Percival congratulated the soldiers on having taken the noble step to enlist into an organisation, which exclusive objectives are the defence of the country, its citizens and also its residence.
He encouraged them to stand by the oath of allegiance they have taken, noting “in this our relatively small society, you have to be constantly on your guard against all types of criminals who may try to influence you to be disloyal”.
Yesterday's Recruit Passing Out Parade has been the first for 2009 and the 11th in the history of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force.
