Lt Col Tom McNeil from the Directorate of Cadets in Canada visited Barbados from 25-30 November 2008 as a guest of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the Barbados Cadet Corps (BCC). The purpose of the visit was to allow Lt Col T McNeil to work closely with the Headquarters of the Barbados Cadet Corps’ staff and others to examine in detail the feasibility of delivering training in Barbados during the months of March and April 2009.

The itinerary prepared by the BCC was therefore designed to ensure that an adequate number of meetings and social activities were held to concretize the contents of the training course to be held. Additionally, it was to allow Lt Col McNeil the opportunity to see possible venues and discuss logistical requirements and to ensure that Lt Col McNeil was able to sample Barbadian culture at a most special time in the calendar - Independence time.

The Barbados Cadet Corps took the opportunity of Independence Celebrations to offer Lt Col McNeil a gateway to see our cadets on parade. He attended the Independence Day Gala and Parade on the night of 29 November 2008 in the company of Major PA Skeete and Mrs Skeete. He was able to gain an appreciation of Barbadian history and culture. After the parade, he met BDF Officers in the Officers Mess. From feedback gained through his Liaison Officer, Capt D Bascombe and through his own comments; it seems evident that he was well entertained in Barbados.

The visit began with a courtesy call on Cadet Commandant, Lt Col Trevor Browne, which was followed by a courtesy call on the BDF Chief of Staff, Col Alvin Quintyne. He paid a visit to the Canadian High Commission where he met with Mr Douglas Holland. His visits also included the Coast Guard Base - HMBS PELICAN, and Paragon Base.

This visit was a highlight in a process where Barbadian Officers attached to the Barbados Cadet Corps have been accessing training in Canada at the Regional Cadet Instructors Schools. The Barbados Cadet Corps has conceptualized a training programme which will be held in Barbados in March/April 2009 and will be assisted by instructors from Canada.

Lieutenant Colonel Tom McNeil (left) chats with (left to right) Major Patrick Skeete, (Cadet Executive Officer), Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Browne (Commandant, Barbados Cadet Corps) and Commander David Dowridge, (Deputy Chief of Staff)