Cadets graduate after two-week training programme

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter- SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - OVER 30 parents turned out at the Cayon High School yesterday, August 21, to witness the graduation ceremony of 50 Cadets who had attended the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Cadet Corps [SKNDFCC] Summer Camp.

Lieutenant Kayode Sutton, Officer Commanding the SKNDFCC, told SKNVibes that he was very impressed with the performance of the Cadets.

“I was amazed by how quickly the campers adjusted and how much they had improved,” he said. “Even some of the newest recruits, who were only here for one week, were able to pass the exam.”

In a brief presentation, Lt Sutton addressed the delighted parents and friends of the Cadets. He stressed the critical need for parents to become more involved in the lives of their teenage children and called upon everyone involved to work together in order to effect change, as it could not be done in isolation.

“This should not be seen as similar to a babysitter, where we take care of children for two weeks. Rather, the discipline gained here should be seen as a huge benefit to each Cadet as it would prepare them to make wise choices and to withstand peer pressure. 

Parents should not wait until their children are criminals, because our job is not to reform criminals but to teach and instil morals and values and, above all, discipline.”

The camp involved constant drilling, physical training, map and compass navigation courses, camouflage and concealment lessons, and survival skills. Drills were done both day and night, but cadets were still given personal time.

The two-week training experience culminated in yesterday’s graduation ceremony and an exhibition to showcase what was learnt during that period.

The main purpose of the camp was to consolidate training received over the years in an effort to test and evaluate the Cadets.

Seven Cadets graduated with special recognition for their unwavering discipline and determination. From Star Level 1, Privates N Newton and CJ Collins received awards for Overall Best Cadet and Most Improved Cadet respectively while Privates A Stanley and A Bailey shared the title of Most Disciplined Cadet.

In Star Level 2, Private E Asagwara was declared the Most Disciplined Cadet and Private A Peters won the awards for Most Improved and Overall Best Cadet. Corporal G Phillip was the Best Overall Cadet for Star Level 3.

Also present at the ceremony were Commander of the SKNDF Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Wallace and former Minister of National Security Dwyer Astaphan.  ~~Adz:Right~~

One highly impressed parent expressed her satisfaction with the programme: “To see all that they have learnt and the discipline that they now have, I must say that I am very pleased. They learn a lot of basic life skills like finding their own meal, washing and ironing.”

“Although a lot of parents are sceptical,” she added, “this programme is a good foundation to prepare youth for the outer world.”

Sutton applauded the high schools for their usual support and projects, noting that by next year the programme should be able to recruit at least 50 students from each high school.