From the Governor of Anguilla, down to the Permanent Secretary, Home Affairs and Education and the Principal of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, there were echoes of high commendation for the Cadet Corps during their impressive passing out parade.
The event, on the grounds of Campus B, on Saturday, July 6, saw thirteen additional recruits joining the inter-school paramilitary organisation which, over the years, averaged a membership of between fifty and one hundred.
The Cadet Corps owe part of their early beginning to Captain George Vernon Fleming of Sandy Hill. He is an Anguillian who, several years ago, returned from St. Kitts where, in addition to being a successful businessman and broker, he gained much experience as a paramilitary leader. Accompanied by the Commanding Officer, Captain Neville Hamilton, and Sergeant Olton J, the Parade Commander, Mr. Fleming inspected the Cadets to sanction their appearance just before informal inspection by Governor Tim Foy, OBE, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, and Principal Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty.
Captain Hamilton regretted that more parents were not present at what he said was a spectacular event, as well as a historic event in that Mr. Bren Romney, a keen support of the Cadet Corps in his former capacity as Director of Youth and Culture, had now assumed the appointment as Chief Education Officer.
He was grateful to the Governor’s Office for making “a significant contribution” to the Cadets in terms of drumming instruments and training equipment. He thanked a number of parents and officers for their support, and was pleased to report that among the thirteen new recruits were both Anguillian students and Spanish-speaking students.
Principal Celestine-Carty told the Cadets that she was very proud of them, and was pleased with their parade performance. She also expressed thanks to the leaders for their voluntary service. “The Cadet Corps of Anguilla exists under a motto of service similar to our school,” she stated. “Our school’s motto says that ‘it is an honour to serve’ and your motto says that you should ‘Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”’ She added: “In your leaders you have a perfect example of what you can do. You can help others to develop to be their very best selves.”
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Petty Barrett, was pleased to see how sharp the Cadets looked during the inspection of the parade. “We were commenting how your shoes were glistening in the sun. This organisation instills some key principles in our young people. The first is commitment, because it really takes a certain amount of commitment to see you through to this particular point. The fact that you did a six-mile run this morning also shows that you are being taught the principle of endurance. Team work, as well, is coming through very clearly in terms of your display, how in sync you are – the fact that you know you have to work together to pull it off. Those are key principles – not only for this institution – that can take you throughout life.”
The Permanent Secretary concluded: “Even though you may not realise it at this point in time, this institution is really preparing you for what lies ahead – and for you to be able to face those challenges head-on. I just want to congratulate you and to tell you how proud we are of all that you have accomplished so far, and encourage you to continue to be a part of this organisation.”
Governor Foy lauded the Cadet Corps organisation for its teachings of self-discipline, commitment, teamwork and pride. “Sometimes people think pride is a bad word, but I don’t think so when you take pride in yourselves; and that’s what I am seeing today – a bunch of young people who are taking pride in themselves.”
He especially commended Sergeant Olton J for his outstanding command of the parade; the established Cadets for their commitment and performance; and the recruits for joining the organisation to have something to aspire to. He also commended the leaders of the Cadet Corps for their dedication and sharing their skills, and the band for its renditions – particularly the very moving school song.
The Certificates for the recruits were presented by Governor Foy.
Special awards were as follows: Captain George V. Fleming Award to Simeon Olton, Best Recruit; Principal’s Award to Benjamin Michaeleanne; Commandant Award to Vasquez Milagros; Training Officer’s Award to Vasquez Milagros; and Most Improved Award to Richard Genecia.
