Cayman’s Cadets complete the first stage of training

By Christopher Tobutt

48 proud new recruits made it through the first stage of their programme, and showed off what they had learned in front of proud parents, brothers and sisters at the Clifton Hunter High School, during the official passing out parade on Saturday 23 April.

Hon. Sabrina Turner, Minister of Health, Wellness & Home Affairs presided as the Reviewing Officer, and they showed exactly how drill should be done, first with a slow march past, first in slow time and then in quick time, as their military band played. All the cadets from the different platoons looked so smart as they gave an ‘eyes right’ salute to the Minister.

The Cayman Islands Cadets’ training is broken up into four ‘star,’ designations, so that this is not the end, but only really the beginning, with the cadets set to gain more ‘stars’ as they continue their training. one of the most important parts of the training focusing on dress and deportment, the next being drill. “It is not one of those experiences we could call a ‘walk in the park, but it is only achieved through hard work, dedication, discipline and focus. Drill is the basic element they instill in cadets, how to stand still, how to move and work as a team, it is said that the purpose of drill is to produce a cadet that is proud, alert and obedient,” the MC commented.

Ms. Turner then inspected all the cadets, before delivering her remarks. “Today marks a significant milestone in each and every one of your careers as members of the Cadet corps both as cadets and as adult leaders. I am sure that there were some days when you just wanted to give up, but look you made it to this stage, and, without your own perseverance and the camaraderie of your peers this would definitely not have been possible,” she said. “There is a saying that, ‘The race is not for the swift but for those who endure to the end.’ Success comes through constant learning and development which is what is displayed here this evening, and for that, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in extending my heartfelt congratulations. I commend you on your turnout this evening and encourage you to aim for higher standards. Carry yourself with respect and integrity. You represent not only the Cayman Islands cadet corps, but the families who have supported you through training.

Each of the recruits repeated the Cadets Pledge before the awards section of the ceremony began. Each of the 48 Cadets came forward to receive their certificates. The award for Layman E. Scott Detachment’s Best Recruit was presented to CDT Bretanie Mullings, and Triple C’s best recruit was CDT Kashlyn Bodden. Clifton Hunter’s Best Recruit was CDT Marian Dehaney, John Gray’s Best Recruit was CDT Eleweanya Ikenna, and George Town Primary’s Best Recruit was CDT Alaisha Williams.

Overall, CDT Rankin Kayleigh was presented with the award for Best Recruit in Drill, while CDT Mikayla Thames gained the award for Best Recruit in Academics. Finally the Most Outstanding Recruit award was presented to CDT Bretanie Mullings.