Thirty-six members of the Anguilla Cadet Corps, attached to the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, not only won medals for their outstanding work in the paramilitary organisation, but the hearts of all at their first passing out parade on Saturday, March 10.
The event, on the grounds of Campus B, under the auspices of the Commanding Officer, Second Lt. Mr. Neville Hamilton, assisted by his fellow officers and instructors, was witnessed by a number of officials, teachers and parents.
They included Governor Tim Foy, OBE, who took the salute, and his wife, Dr. Foy; Permanent Secretary, Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett; Principal of the School, Mrs. Joyce Webster-Stuart; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Morrison; Director of Youth and Culture, Mr. Bren Romney; former Commanding Officer and Captain of the Cadet Corps, Mr. Vernon Fleming, who originally established the Cadet Corps in 1988; and Pastor Philip Gumbs of the Church of God (Holiness) who delivered the opening prayer.
The Cadets paraded to the grounds of the school from a short distance away in a precision, brisk and admirable manner that prompted rounds of applause. They were also applauded individually as one by one they marched up to Governor Foy, towards the end of the event, to receive their certificates and awards.
“It is a genuine pleasure and an honour to be with you on the occasion of the passing out parade – and indeed to take the salute,” the Governor said in his address. “I would like to say three things to the Cadets. First, of all, you have done your instructors and your parents proud on your smartness and bearing at your parade.
“Secondly, I wish to say how much I admire you for your dedication, lasting in your training course and getting through. It is every day and every week about passing out, not just the actual events. I think you have shown great dedication and application in reaching the very high standards which are expected, as I understand from Second Lt. Hamilton.
“Thirdly, I know you will take the skills, attitudes and friendships that you made in the course of your cadetship forward with you into whatever your chosen field of life may be.”
The Governor thanked the instructors for unselfishly devoting their time to the young people in the Cadet Corps. “It is a great tribute to you,” he added.
Commissioner Morrison was pleased that early in 2016 Mr. Neville Hamilton, a Special Constable, had sought his permission to re-establish the Cadet Corps.
“I think Anguilla was facing a bit of a dark period with a number of our young people being tempted into crime and other things that would not instil discipline and the love of this country into them that everybody wants from its citizens,” he stated. “I am extremely proud that we made that decision to support Neville. He has done a great job, supported by others. The Royal Anguilla Police Force has played a significant part in supporting the Cadet Corps and that was for a good reason. We do not want young people drifting into crime. We want to make good young people that this country could be proud of.”
Mr. Morrison told the young people: “The Cadet Corps has given you discipline; confidence; and a feeling of value. I commend you for sticking it out.”
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Petty Barrett, said in part: “I must say that my heart is really full to see so many young people standing before me and looking so wonderful, all decked out on your parade. I must say congratulations to all of you. Your determination has paid off; your endurance has paid off; and all your hard work has paid off. Please let us give them a round of applause.”
She acknowledged the assistance of the parents of the Cadets; the leaders of the organisation including Mr. Hamilton and other persons; the Department of Youth and Culture; the Department of Education; the Royal Anguilla Police Force and others who supported the rebirth of the Cadet Corps.
The Permanent Secretary added: “I think that they all can be proud of what they accomplished in terms of this passing out parade because, through their efforts, and through your willingness to be a part of this organisation, we can see the fruits standing right before us. I am very confident that Anguilla is in good hands.”
Director of Youth and Culture, Mr. Romney, commended Mr. Hamilton, his officers and instructors “for investing in young people and ensuring that they get the future they so richly deserve.”
He went on: “A hearty congratulation to each of you, the Cadet Corps, the school, its Principal and staff and all who support you. I pray that the resources will continue to flow to you to ensure that you not only benefit from this experience, but take it elsewhere. I also pray that those coming behind you [as leaders and cadets] will continue to inspire all.”
An overview of the Cadet Corps was given by Second Lt. Hamilton. “We have finally made it to our first passing out parade,” he told his listeners after reviewing the work involved in re-establishing the Cadet Corps over the past two years. He credited Mr. Vernon Fleming who, in 1988, as the then Lt. Commanding Officer, and other instructors, for establishing the Anguilla Cadet Corps. He was pleased that he, his fellow officers and instructors, had given new life to the organisation.
“The values and impact of the Anguilla Cadet Corps are life-changing and long-lasting,” he continued. “I salute the officers and the adult rank of the Cadet Corps for their contribution and the sacrifice they made and are making. Standing before you are thirty-six recruits who endured – our first intake for the two years and the second intake for one year.”
Mr. Hamilton said he was proud of the Cadets, the role they were playing at various national events – and offered his thanks and appreciation to them and their parents.
