COMMANDANT'S REMARKS AT FIRST ANNUAL CORPS INSPECTION

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with a large measure of pride that I have witnessed today’s proceedings as the full compliment of the Barbados Cadet Corps assembled together as a “Corps” for the first time in many decades, and for the first time ever in such numbers.

 I believe that this is an important exercise which not only meets the legal requirement for a “formal annual inspection of all cadet units to be undertaken and documented”, but also gives us a visual picture of our organization and provides a good perspective to cadets, recruits, parents and guardians, officers and the various authorities- of the work being done in the cadet corps.     

It clearly has been very good work.

I am quite pleased with the progress that we have been making in realizing the objectives of our strategic plan. Since our 100^th anniversary year of 2004, total numbers of cadets have grown from approximately 600 to an all time high of 1500 cadets, junior cadets and recruits. We have implemented a number of new schemes in keeping with our development plans. These include the Junior Cadet Program, dedicated Sea Cadet and band Programs as well as new initiatives for regional summer camps, and extended training arrangements for cadets and officers.

We are currently in the process of launching new specialized units in the Catering and Medical fields and we are also exploring opportunities in Sports and other areas.

On the negative side, it is clear today that nowhere near sufficient resources are being made available for the development of the Cadet Corps. Over the years, we have been hard pressed to supply even basic uniform- even when our roll was in the region of 500 –600. With numbers now in the 1500 range (and aiming towards 5000 by 2010), the matter is reaching crisis stage for us.

While we have instituted various self-help approaches including fund raising, assistance from parents, sponsorships, uniform rental schemes and approaches to the various school boards for assistance, the situation continues to be unsatisfactory. We have long outgrown the level of funding currently provided by government, and a major review will be needed if the Corps is to not only sustain the gains made in the last few years, but move forward with our growth targets in coming months and years.

On another related matter, in recent months, various sections of the press and public would seem to have launched an attack on the youth of Barbados. As Commandant of the Corps, which is represented by school children from all the schools of Barbados and pretty much covers the broad spectrum of our young people, I wish to disassociate myself and the BCC from any notion that children of today are ‘bad’; or not as ‘good’ as in previous generations. On the contrary…

We have come to recognize that this country is blessed with unbelievably intelligent, talented, hard working and enthusiastic young people, who want to be good Barbadians and who have the potential to be world-class citizens.

Time after time you cadets have consistently exceed my expectations, not only individually- in your personal growth and development and responsible attitudes, but also as ambassadors;

·       Like last year in our overseas summer camps, where, by your behaviour discipline and businesslike approach, you made Barbados proud.

·       And in achieving high objectives set for you- we asked, and you delivered.

o   As did our Cadet Band in NIFCA 2005.

o   Our Sea Cadet Unit in establishing itself so quickly into a viable and attractive aspect of local and even regional cadetting.

This country is lucky to have young people like you.

This is not to say that we have not had problems and challenges. These are to be expected and this is where the adults of our society have a role to play. Unfortunately, it appears to be largely our adults who are in crisis.

Generally, too many of us adults, set bad examples; have low standards, set no limits for others or ourselves; provide poor leadership and then are surprised that our children mimic those characteristics. The problem that we face as a country is not with our youth. It is with many of our leaders and adults in general.

On this note, I wish to express special appreciation to the officers of the Barbados Cadet Corps. I am in no doubt that the results that we have been able to realize are directly attributable to the officers that we are lucky to have in the Corps. They represent the best of the best volunteers available; and are to my mind, the foundation of the organization’s success. In the Cadet Corps, we set standards, set limits, listen to the children, go the extra mile to assist, counsel, advise, but we also censure and discipline when needed.

It is a major challenge to recruit and retain such special adult leaders. This is particularly true where there is little recognition and appreciation of the roles that they play by the relevant authorities and public in general. As our cadet numbers grow, and the need for more qualified volunteers to work with the Corps increased, this situation will definitely need to be addressed.

Altogether, the last year has been a good one for the Cadet Corps. However our very growth and successes during the year have highlighted some new concerns.

·       Finances have been further strained by the high growth in numbers and interest.

·       The Administrative demands of an active and growing Cadet Corps places great strain on the BDF, and a review of the existing administrative arrangements is needed if we are to continue to expand.

·       Adequate assets such as Campsites, Meeting and training facilities and training equipment have become critical necessities if we are to maintain the interest of the youth.

·       Additional officers and adult leaders are needed to cater to the rising numbers of cadets.

It is clear to me that the Barbados Cadet Corps represents a viable national answer to the challenge of instilling discipline, focus and character into our outstanding young people. This is not a ‘fly by night’ scheme, but a tried and tested process that has actually completed over one hundred years of successful trials and modeling in Barbadian schools since 1904.

The Barbados Cadet Corps is ready to roll. All we need is some support and the necessary resources.

Let me take the opportunity to say Congratulations to all of today’s’ winners. Good show - it is always satisfying to have the edge on the competition.

A special thank you to all of those who made today’s inspection possible.

·       The BDF for the usual support and for making St Ann’s Fort available

·       The Cadet HQ for all the background work that was needed

·       The Inspecting teams, judges, scorers and Master of Ceremonies

·       The Officers who went all out to make the plans work

·       The Parents who have allowed their children to participate, often at some inconvenience to themselves and their family schedules etc.

·       To Mr. Bill Blackman of the Cadet Association who is always ready to help and who in fact assisted with arrangements for today

·       And finally to all you cadets for your good discipline and positive approach. And your participation.

Thank you all for your support

Good Afternoon.