A ceremony and reception held at Government House last week celebrated members of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, their leaders and supporters.

Governor Helen Kilpatrick hosted the event on Wednesday, 30 October, 2013, for Commandant Bobeth Daley-O’Garro, her officers and charges.

The commissioning of Cadet Officers, and the presentation of awards for good service and conduct over the past decade, marked the formal part of the ceremony. Some students were also promoted up the ranks, while others received awards for excellence in their final BTEC exams in Public Service.

The Corps also presented volunteers, including parents as well as private and government benefactors, with medals of appreciation.

Newly-promoted Major Ricardo Henry thanked the commissioned officers for “training and commanding the next generation of students’, and for instilling morals, leadership and citizenship.

Governor Kilpatrick told the gathering that her own two children were active Cadets in the United Kingdom, commenting that, “It’s really great to see young people serving the community.”

Amongst the dignitaries in attendance were the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP; Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, MBE, JP; and Ministers Tara Rivers and Osbourne Bodden. Also present was former government minister, Mr. Roy Bodden, under whose leadership the Corps was launched.

In his remarks, Minister for Youth the Hon. Osbourne Bodden told attendees that his Ministry remains committed to the Cadet Corps’ success. “It is vital that our youth are taught to be independent, optimistic and socially adept. These are vital characteristics in today’s world, which help to strengthen the resilience of those who will be its future leaders.”

Congratulating graduates on this milestone, he added, “Your organisation helps to shape responsible citizens and is something of which our society can be justifiably proud of… The lessons learnt during Cadet Corps will serve as the platform to prepare you for the future. Some of you will move up the ranks or go on to college, but each of you will travel your own path – and I bid you success on whichever path you choose.”

Demonstrating the lasting impact that the organisation has on its young members, Sub-Lieutenant Teresita Ebanks who was one of the first batch of cadets in 2002, was among the officers receiving a promotion. After leaving high school and the Corps, Ms Ebanks recently completed studies at Brock University, and now works as an analyst with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.

Meanwhile she continues to give back as a cadet leader. Her mother, Crystal Ebanks, was also among the parents recognised that evening for staunch and active support of the programme.

This was the first formal event for Mrs. Daley-O’Garro, since her confirmation this summer as the first female Commandant of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps — and in the entire Caribbean region.

“I am so very proud of my colleagues and cadets. We will endeavour our best to ensure the continued advancement of the Corps and its members,” said the Commandant.

Noting that the Corps’ budget has been significantly reduced she urged family members of cadets and other interested persons to help support the organisation through donations and by volunteering their time.

Seven detachments make up the Corps. Each detachment trains twice a week for two hours at a time. In these classes participants aged 11 to 19 years engage in a range of activities that includes: survival training, emergency-response, drug abuse awareness, marine training and band, among other subjects.

The local Corps consists of 12 commissioned officers and 30 adult instructors, who also work closely with the students’ high schools to monitor grades and behaviour, as well as their performance on job placements.

Over 400 young adults have completed the programme since it began. While enrolment was initially skewed towards young men, young women have for some time formed a majority of the Corps’ membership.

Photos:  Photos by Information Officer Lennon Christian

1 Governor Helen Kilpatrick and Commandant Bobeth Daley-O’Garro.

2 Dignitaries, Cadet leaders and students, at the Government House function.

3 Both Sub-Lieutenant Teresita with her mother Crystal Ebanks were awarded.