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Prime Minister Freundel Stuart inspects??members of the??Barbados Cadet Corps,??along with??Chief of Staff, Colonel Alvin Quintyne (behind PM)??and Parade Commander, Major G. Grannum (beside PM), yesterday at the inspection parade at the BDF headquarters, St. Anne’s Fort. (C.Pitt./BGIS)??

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has urged the members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) not to be distracted by fleeting enticements but, to respect their uniform by maintaining a high standard of excellence.

He gave this advice to the soldiers yesterday during the BDF’s 33rd Anniversary Parade at St. Ann’s Fort, the Garrison, St. Michael.

Emphasising that loyalty to the Barbados flag was priceless, the Prime Minister urged the officers to remain "faithful and bear true allegiance to Barbados for the sake of present and future generations".

Mr. Stuart added: "You are the Force and the Force will be known by its deeds.?? You [soldiers] must not only do things right, but also do the right things at a consistently high standard.?? In essence, your actions, small and large, must be always reflective of the Force’s motto – A symbol of Excellence."

This excellence he explained, must be demonstrated in their conduct; their dress and deportment both in and out of barracks; excellence in their work ethic; and most important, excellence in the quality of service they rendered to the public.

While commending the department for its 33rd Anniversary, Mr. Stuart urged the officers to inculcate the BDF’s values of honesty, integrity, commitment to duty, selfless service, self-discipline, respect, and loyalty.

"Let these be more to you than ???buzzwords’.?? Let them serve as the invisible checks and balances on your conduct as military professionals.?? Your service to the state and the commitment that you have demonstrated throughout the short life of this organisation are noteworthy and much more will be expected of you in the years ahead," he noted.

The Prime Minister also urged the soldiers to "put your shoulders to the wheel and spare no effort in building a Defence Force of which all loyal sons and daughters of this fair land can be proud".

During the parade, a number of BDF soldiers received the Defence Board Commendation Awards; while two soldiers were awarded Warrant Officer Class 2 status.

A number of public sector departments and private sector companies received Certificates of participation for their role in the recently concluded Exercise Tradewinds 2012.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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