“The Barbados Cadet Corps is strong, growing and great things are in store through our united efforts in support of building up the next generation for our great nation.”
Major Alfred Taylor expressed this sentiment in his opening remarks during the Passing out Parade of Intake 1/2022 Central Recruiting Programme of the Barbados Cadet Corps. With 517 recruits drawn from schools from across the island, this exponential growth is attributed to the decentralisation of the recruitment process and the switch to a school-based system.
A sense of pride was evident in all who were present. Major Taylor commented, “This is a pivotal occasion and a somewhat momentous one. It is perhaps the largest passing out parade since the inception of central recruiting and it is also likely to be the last one of its kind on this scale.” However, he assured, “The Barbados Cadet Corps is on a deliberate trajectory or path for growth.” He believes the high numbers indicate a strong rebound after COVID-19 induced challenges.
Taylor extended thanks to the personnel involved for their dedicated service. He referenced the line officers of the corps, the staff at cadet headquarters, the BDF permanent staff instructors who are supported by the Barbados regiment, and the Barbados Coast Guard.
Taylor added, “Future and sustained growth will require a perhaps slightly different approach. It is intended going forward to conduct recruit training under the auspices of the school cadet unit wherever possible. The clear intent is to have vibrant and fun cadeting activity at the school unit or company where the school unit is based, and in the process create the scope for a broad development of practical skills for leadership and for excellence.”
Taylor hopes to see growth across all levels of the corps. He acknowledged it would be a team effort starting at the level of the principals. “Parents, guardians, we do this work also in partnership with you. It has been my observation that the strongest and most vibrant units are the ones where parents are fully engaged and supportive of all activities,” he added.
In his address, Captain Phillip Eno supported the decentralization, asserting that this move made joining the organisation more attractive to students. He said, “It also gave a much earlier start to the young recruits being more involved in school activity, and in particular cadet activity apart from drill. These young boys and girls were able to be integrated fully into activities such as company camps, speech days and prize giving ceremonies and other forms of unit-based activity.”
Eno explained, “The process of military discipline within the Barbados Cadet Corps bears much resemblance to that of the Barbados Defence Force. However, its aim is not that of indoctrinating our young boys and girls only into a military discipline and culture. Indeed, it goes much further than that. It is the process of long and tireless work aimed at creating a young school leaver with the values of hard work, dedication, commitment and trust and, above all, the ability to work cohesively, effectively and efficiently as a member of a team.”
Eno further explained that, “The recruitment programme is not designed to break the young and tender minds of recruits, but is geared at cognitive reconstruction, especially after the prolonged break forced upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus this year was on team building, as well as having a keen eye for those who may have had some challenges in the area of well adapted social, emotional learning.”
In attracting participants to the programme, they focused on the benefits of military discipline, proper deportment and the need to be loyal to the cadet corps and their school in achieving self-discipline. In an effort to attract new recruits, they highlighted persons who have passed through the ranks and benefited from the program. That list included The Most Honourable Colonel Jeffrey Bostic and National Hero, the Most Honorable Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Eno confirmed, “As we continue to chart the path for a new and re-energized Barbados Cadet Corps. I am confident that the training delivered to these fine young boys and girls you see before you will continue and will have the desired impact in developing positive school environments as well as good citizenship.” (STT)
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