Nevis Cadet Corps Unit and Shiloh Baptist Church Celebrate Anniversaries
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
Charlestown Nevis: Shiloh Baptist Church Ramsbury was a hub of activities as the church and the Nevis Cadet Corps used the same venue to mark their celebrations. The church was celebrating its 31st anniversary while the Cadet Corps were celebrating their 25th anniversary. It was a special moment as pioneer cadets, former Cadets and cadets in training reunited at a church service which was well attended.
A former Cadet, Wayne Maynard delivered the sermon during the memorable service. He was nostalgic about the old days when he wore Cadet uniforms and boots. “It was always a proud moment to wear the uniforms and shine the boots,” he recalled. He also recalled the nights and the challenges faced by Cadets in training. He noted that many join Cadets and many have quit.
He likened the Cadets challenge to a Christian race. “Just as many have joined Cadets, Christians are quitting, “giving in and giving up”, and he noted and went on to say that Christians were giving up because they had forgotten reasons why they were in the race.
“Some say they quit because ‘the pastor was preaching on me’ others say ‘the preacher did not shake my hand.’ Maynard took worshippers through 1 Peter chapter one, verses one to five and gave them five reasons why Christians cannot give up.
Maynard said the race Christians are involved in was established through God’s plan. He explained that Jesus Christ had established the race by paying an expensive price. “The only one who could be a ransom was Him. Christ was the only one who could shed blood for you and I. No amount of money could purchase your salvation. What you are involved in is extremely valuable. We have an awesome responsibility to keep our faith going.”
Maynard told Christians that enlisting in the Christian race was a privilege and not a right. “You are not doing God a favour. It is a privilege. God was doing fine before I got here…if I quit, I am the loser. It is a tremendous privilege.”
He told Christians not to give up even when they lack role models, “we have an example of perfection in Christ himself. Even if a Pastor were to fail, you cannot quit, Jesus is our example. Put your confidence on the one who never fails.”
Maynard told those who quit due to earthly possessions those earthly things would pass away, “We strive for thing that are passing.” He told worshippers that they should be preoccupied in laying eternal treasures.
“Some people will be in welfare in heaven because they did not put enough. At the judgement seat, houses, cars will not matter. It is what I do that will matter. Put your energy in serving God. What we (Christians) are involved in is more important than anything else.”
Among those who participated at the special service was the acting Premier Robelto Hector who represented the Premier of Nevis, Joseph Parry who was overseas on official functions. Hector hailed the Cadets’ reunion.
He commended Pastor Eric Maynard and his flock for promoting the principle of “integration” and said this was a reflection of the government’s mandate of inclusion and called on other churches to appreciate non-nationals.
Hector called on the Christian church to partner with relevant stakeholders to fight crime and violence by teaching youth about the Good News of God. He said youth fellowships and men’s fellowships were ideal forums that could empower youth to be responsible.
Also in attendance was Hon. Vance Amory, leader of the Citizens Concerned Movement (CCM) who said Shiloh had a great reputation of reaching out to people of all cultures and backgrounds. Amory said the church of Jesus Christ would was at crossroads but said the church would remain steadfast and would never fail, “the church has come to a critical juncture but the church cannot fail.”
Lieutenant Steve Hanley gave the history of the Nevis Cadets Corps. He said Cadet Corps training began at the Charlestown Secondary School grounds in September 1980.
“The inception of the unit was not without struggles,” he said at the time, the then Premier Simeon Daniel and the then Headmaster Vance Amory, the then Sergeant Cornell Kelly, SKNDF and the parents of the recruits had support the launching of the Unit.
Hanley said the Unit was officially launched on October 22nd 1982 with a Passing Out Parade held at Grove Park, inspected by the then CSS Headmaster Alford Thompson. The Unit comprised of boys and girls of the Charlestown Secondary School. Inspection was done by Sergeant Fitzroy Warner, SKNDF with assistance from Privates Ira Jeffers and Clarence Hendrickson, also members of SKNDF.
He said the following were the first group of cadets – Yvonne Wilkin SGT, Gordon Walters, Carl Saige, Catherine Caines, Floyd Robinson, Clyde Blackette, Anthony Liburd, Omel Williams, Theresa (June) Browne, Leonardo Hector, Westmore Jeffers and Ivan Barry.
Hanley said the Unit has grown from strength to strength. Instruction was formalised into four Star levels according to the Army Cadet Force Training Manual with training in Foot and Rifle Drills, Map and Compass, Field craft, Skill-at-Arms, First Aid, Citizenship Training and Adventurous Training, according to Hanley.
It was a rare kaleidoscope at the Shiloh Baptist Church as the Nevis Cadets Corps Unit and the Shiloh Baptist church celebrated anniversaries.
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