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| Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy |
If young people are desirous of becoming well-rounded citizens, then they should join the Barbados Cadet Corps.
This message was emphasised by Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, as he delivered the feature address to open Barbados Cadet Corps’ International Cadet Challenge Camp last Sunday at Paragon Base, Christ Church.
He pointed out that being a member of the Cadet Corps?? instilled character building values and discipline and helped to develop some excellent young people who have gone on to become "very prominent adults". Mr. Sealy singled out such past cadets as international recording superstar Rihanna, who was a member of Combermere School’s Company No. Three, and fellow artist Shontelle Layne, who rose to the rank of an officer, as examples of how being involved in the Cadet Corps could mould the lives of young persons.
He added: "It is heartening to know that the Cadet Corps continues to be a major drawing card for so many young people… but it is wonderful to see that it is alive and happening. The Cadet Corps plays a very important part in building our young people and has a positive impact on them. Some people may see it as merely a nursery for your Defence Force in your reserves, but it is not about that, it is about building character … and combating all of the challenges that our young people may have; many cadets have gone on to many prominent positions in society and I am sure the list is?? long."
The Tourism Minister encouraged those present to make the most of the opportunities available to them as cadets and to treasure the friendships and the fellowship they would gain during the camp.
In his remarks, Commandant Lieutenant Trevor Browne, said the staging of the camp would allow the administration of the Barbados Cadet Corps to learn from others and to get practical feedback on how to refine their approach and get better results, so that cadets could become better citizens for the country. He added that over the years, participation in the camp had become a major status symbol, since persons selected represented "some of the best young people in the world".
Colonel Browne noted that the interaction among individuals would lead to higher standards and better performances by competitors, in the true Olympic tradition of good sportsmanship.
"We see this event becoming so well organised that we see more teams participating. We are interested in making this something that will be part of tourism and have a spin-off," he declared.
Eight 15-member teams from Grenada, the British Virgin Islands, Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force of England, Dominica, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will match their skills in a variety of disciplines with cadets from Barbados over a 10-day period.