Members of the Cayman Brac detachment of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps recently received a 22-seat Toyota Coaster bus, provided by the Ministry of District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture.

Deputy Premier and Minister of District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly presented the bus to Lieutenants Alphanso Gayle and Icilma Cornelius and several of the Cadets over at the Watering Place Park last Saturday. Also in attendance were District Commissioner Mr. Ernie Scott and Deputy District Commissioner Mr. Mark Tibbetts.

The bus, new to the Cayman Brac cadet Corps, was provided by Education Ministry and Minister Hon. Rolston Anglin when they heard that the of Cayman Brac detachment of the Cadet Corps was struggling with transportation needs.  “I was pleased that we were able to assist the Deputy Premier and turn the bus over the Cayman Brac detachment of the Cadet Corps.”
After the brief presentation ceremony, the Deputy Premier and the group of cadets took the bus out for a spin.

Lieutenant Alphanso Gayle explained that lack of a reliable bus service had been negatively affecting the programme. “At one point we had over 90 cadets but that number dwindled to 20, mainly because we did not have reliable transportation to shuttle the children around. We are extremely grateful to the Hon. Deputy Premier for this donation and we are looking forward to seeing an increase in members.”

He explained that just prior to getting the call that the cadets were getting a bus, he was told that they were no longer going to be able to borrow the bus they were using.

“I was blown away. Talk about an answered prayer,” Lieutenant Gayle said.

“This bus will assist the programme in many ways. We will be able to take the kids around to the many field trips that our programme has, such as hiking, kayaking, visiting cultural sites and more importantly, we will be able to get them home on time so that they can do their daily chores and or homework,” he added.

Lieutenant Gayle noted that the cadets play an important role in community outreach and cited their hard work in helping with restoration work after Hurricane Paloma. “We cleaned up the schools and the group really stepped up and went beyond the call of duty,” he said.

Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (acting Commandant) Lieutenant Colonel Bobeth O’Garro, also expressed her gratitude from all members of the Cadet Corps to the Hon. Deputy Premier for her efforts to support the Cadet Corps not only as a Minister of Government but as a parent. “We can affirm that the bus will facilitate our community efforts.”

Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly stated: “Helping young people is one of the best parts of my job. We all need to do our part to support organizations and groups such as the Cadet Corps. Transportation will no longer be an issue for them and I am pleased that I was able to coordinate with the Ministry of Education and DVES to assist.”

About the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps
The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps was established in 2001 as a youth organisation for male and female students aged 12 to 17 years. It is divided into four district detachments for West Bay, George Town, South Sound and Cayman Brac. The Cadet Corps falls under the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture.