BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE most recent inductees of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force were challenged to foster and exhibit those positive qualities for which their international counterparts are known and respected.
The set of 14 recently completed four months of training and formally became full-fledged members of the Defence Force.
During the induction ceremony, which took place at Camp Springfield, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas delivered the feature address, congratulating the inductees while imploring them to be disciplined and hold high their integrity in the execution of their duties.
“As a soldier you are expected to have and to exhibit certain qualities that are universal to armed forces, and these include of course discipline, loyalty, respect and integrity. You must therefore continue to be disciplined so that we can rely on you for the safety and security of our country.
“While we encourage young men and women to aspire to achieve high standards, I wish to admonish you to stay your course. Be loyal young men who are faithful to your country, to your agency and of course to your cause and to your colleagues in the execution of your duty as soldiers. Be respectful, earning the confidence and the trust of those around you and avoiding corruption and any activity that will compromise your integrity. Be selfless and be committed, being mindful of this country’s motto, ‘Country Above Self’. Above all, be good soldiers.”
The National Security Minister warned the soldiers that as they execute their duties, hardships would present themselves, but these, he reiterated, could be overcome through the application of hard work and dedication.
Success of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the PM expressed, is dependant largely upon “the quality of soldiers that comprise the whole entity”. It is against this backdrop that he admonished the soldiers to perform their tasks with precision and a spirit of excellence, regardless of where one is sent to function.
“You have proven to be successful and I am certain that this required much dedication. It required much physical, psychological and emotional strength. As you embark on your new career, there will be circumstances that will require of you to draw on the knowledge and the skills of the critical essentials of the military programme that you have acquired over the last four months of training.
“Your assignment in the Force may be in the Infantry Division or in the Coast Guard Unit which is our Maritime Division. Wherever you are deployed, you are to give of your best and nothing less.”
