ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, WEDNESDAY, 13th MAY, 2009 - Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has pledged his full support to the revival and development of Cadets in Grenada.
The Prime Minister gave the commitment to the Chairman of the committee set up to over see the revival of the movement in Grenada, Mr. Charles George and a visiting delegation from the Cadet Forces in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.
The three member delegation, which comprised Colonel Edison Isaac – Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force, Lt. Col. Trevor Mc Curdy – Jamaica Cadet Force and Capt. Dr. Wallace Williams - Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force, met with Prime Minister Thomas to discuss the role Cadets can play in improving discipline in the community and the wider society.
In welcoming the group, the Prime Minister said “I am willing to give my support to the revival of the Cadet Corp in Grenada because we believe it is a useful tool in helping with discipline at the school and the community levels.
“The Cadet movement has strengthened the curative base among young people, especially young men,” said Dr. Williams, adding that a plan that would allow the formation of Cadet Units at the community level is also under discussion.
The Prime Minister was informed that the Cadet movement now has expanded to include branches of Sea Cadets, Naval Units, Air Cadets, Para Medics and Music Cadets. Lt. Col. Mc Curdy of the Jamaica Cadet Force said the movement has changed to embrace life skills, which positioned graduates for careers in various sectors.
The delegation noted that Cadet programmes now offer opportunities for participants to be involved in culinary arts, business development and academic achievement, with certification outside of the traditional ‘O’ Level qualification..
“The discipline of the Cadet movement helps young people to become good citizens. It affects the lives of the young people right through to adulthood, said Dr. Williams.
Grenada News