The Dominica Cadet Corps has welcomed 128 new members.
A special ceremony was held at the Windsor Park Stadium on Saturday to recognize the new Cadets as part of ‘Cadet Day’.
That ceremony also brought to the close an Easter Camp held at the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) for 264 Cadets.
Minister for Youth Affairs, Justina Charles who was addressing the ceremony, appealed to the young Cadets to remain resolute and maintain discipline in society.
“To the young Cadets, I want to appeal to you to remain resolute, maintain discipline and tolerance. Take your studies seriously, be obedient to your parents and engage in meaningful activities which will positively impact on your future goals,” Charles stated. “Your appearance, behaviour, general attitude must make a statement as you walk the streets of Dominica and outside of Dominica.”
According to her, the road to success is sometimes paved with obstacles which must be overcome, “with determination, perseverance and hard work.”
Charles advised the young Cadets to use their youthfulness, knowledge and skills, to help their schools and communities to become better places.
She stated that the government of Dominica recognizes and supports the Cadet Corps as a primary youth organization, “thus the reason why an annual subvention is made available to the corps to help manage the affairs.”
“While we welcome the growth in the number of units and the membership of the various units, we recognize the greater financial challenge that this poses for the corps in execution of its activities,” she noted. “As the minister responsible for youth I want to assure you that the ministry that I lead will continue to make its contribution and give the necessary support within the resources available.”
Charles said one of the ministry’s accomplishments was realized with the exchange between the French Navy based in Martinique and the Dominica Cadet Corps.
“We have also partnered with the United States Government when in July of 2014 a group of Cadets from the Florida National Guard visited and participated in a joint training exercise in Dominica,” she stated.
Charles, who is also holds the position of President of the Pierre Charles Foundation, presented $3,000 to the Dominica Cadet Corps to help assist the unit at the Pierre Charles Secondary School.
Meantime, Commander of the Dominica Cadet Corps, David Andrew, said the 2014 to 2015 Cadet year has produced the largest enrollment of recruits.
Andrew said also that he is pleased to report there is now a recommencement of the Dominica Cadet Corps Sea Cadet Unit which was at a standstill for a short period, “due to circumstances beyond our control.”
the home,the church, the school ,the community and the Dominica Cadet Corp combine should be a bed rock of discipline for our youth. If these Institutions play their part then we may begin to see a transformation in the behavior and discipline of our youth. The Cadet Corps has served well over the many years, some may move on to policing ,the fire dept etc but what about those who may want to have a military career especially here at home. I think that it is time to reinstate the Dominica Defense Force and to help sustain them let there be a group within them who would do agriculture, livestock fishing etc thereby training them to be patriots and serving their Home Land.
I have registered my child in this and i have asked him to report to me any attempts of propagandizing or brain washing.
You have already entered the game of negativity so what do you expect……. Think positively and the benefits your child will gain from this wonderful experience.
Very good. Nice to see young people involved in positive uplifting activities.
Wow! Great job!
I cherish the memories of serving both in the scout movement and the Dominica Cadet Corps with folks like Cuffy (Grand Fond) and Roger Blanchard. Those were the good old days when discipline was at the heart of both organizations. With the retirement of David Andrew from the CDPF I see a bright light shining towards the corp since he will have more time to contribute his expertise in molding the youth of this precious nation.
Go Cadets Go! I see future leaders among your ranks! Deceased PM’s Rossie Douglas and Pierre Charles (Pierro) would be absolutely proud of you all. I know they are smiling from above on you all.
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
Wow! I remember the Cadet Corps from my growing up days. Good to see it’s back.
They should consider inviting former Cadet Corps Leaders to such functions and to patronize their fund raising functions.
Proud of the hard working guys that pulled this off…wow… And congrats to all the recruits.
I also note the 3000 pcss get from their parl rep & foundation. I hope, of the FOUR parl reps(St Jean, Ivor, Jonno, Casius) of the students at CBSS, one will find it fit to contribute to the program at Castle Bruce Secondary too wii. I think Groups like scout and cadet and girl guides help create leaders and disciplined youth.
Bigger and better things to come i hope…
Proud
It was a great sight to see so many youths on parade. The organizers should aim to double the numbers for next Cadet Day.