A new class of recruits from Cayman Brac Cadet Detachment Recruitment is glowing with commendations after a passing out ceremony at the weekend.
The seven cadets – Haylie Tibbetts, Yesenia Ebanks, Chanielle Connor, Ashanti Knight, Amanda Ferguson, Dilan Tatum and Carlie Tibbetts – put their best foot forward to receive certificates of completion to the sound of applause from guests at Layman E. Scott Senior High School.
Joined by parade leader Commander Wilston Bennett, parade sergeant Corporal O’laro Waite and Lance Corporals Aija Ebanks and Nicholas Laurendon, cadets performed coordinated drill moves to impress those in attendance.
Inspecting Officer Major Andy White said that in all his years in the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, this was among the highest standard of drill he had seen. He told parents to continue the hard work and encourage the children to be more dedicated, never quitting but persevering so that they can enhance their true potential in becoming future leaders for the Cayman Islands.
Dilan Tatum, age 11, was named and awarded Best Recruit, excelling in academics, drill, service knowledge and leadership; Haylie Tibbetts was awarded Most Improved Recruit. According to Commander Bennett, all the cadets performed exceptionally well.
“The training was hard and I never thought I could make it. I left and returned and now I finally made it and I know my dad and mom are proud,” said cadet Carlie Tibbetts
The cadets’ training, which took place at the high school, included drills, map reading, service knowledge, field craft, civics, physical training, public speaking and social graces.
Cadet Amanda Ferguson, reading “The Life of a Recruit” at the ceremony, stated that during their five months of training, they gained a lot of self-confidence and discipline, physical fitness, mental and physical strength and team work, for which she thanked her training officer and non-commissioned officers.
“This has affected us in a significant way because it taught us respect for authority and leadership skills for role examples in school. It also gave us exposure to the outdoors; allowed us to be more independent and helped us manage our time more wisely,” said Amanda.
“We are looking forward to interacting and meeting new cadets; getting more educational opportunities, marine training, skills at arms training, traveling to other countries and much more. It wasn’t an easy journey as some of us thought of running away, others cried rivers. The only male in the group thought of quitting at the last minute, but wisdom spoke to him and he persevered. It was very hard but very spiritual and self-fulfilling.” Amanda added.
At the graduation exercise, recipients who dedicated commendable service to the corps were also presented with medals. Parade Sergeant Corporal O’laro Waite received the certificate for best Squad Corporal.
Ernie Scott, District Commissioner of the Cayman Brac acknowledged his support for the growth of the detachment. Mr. Scott said he looked with eager eyes to identify mistakes in the parade but the intake was spot on and he gave high commendations to the training staff and leaders.
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Congratulations! Job well done, all!
The Cadet system is where I started my life. I attended many summer camps, met many people from all over the world and had the most memorable times of my life. I left the the Cadet system as a Master Cadet at the age of eighteen. Eventually went on to enroll in the Canadian Armed Forces became a Patrol Pathfinder in the Airborne Regiment where I had the opportunity to travel the world, provide humanitarian aid and teach.
I believe the Cadet system gave me my foundation in regard to citizenship, leadership, self discipline and morals.
I feel compelled to tell you this in order to provide an insight as to the rewards the Cadet system can provide you.
You are all to be commended for your personal choice to not only better yourselves but the community as well.
Again, Cudo’s and well done!!
Carpe Diem!
I will just repeat what one of the cadets, Amanda Ferguson said, This has affected us in a significant way because it taught us respect for authority and leadership skills for role examples in school. It also gave us exposure to the outdoors; allowed us to be more independent and helped us manage our time more wisely, said Amanda. I could not have said it better. The parents should also get medals, for staying the path, when it is not the norm today, to be strong and guide their children in this tough world today….
So Congratulations to them and hopefully these cadets will play the role models needed in the eyes of other youths…….