CI Cadet Corps Committee discuss plans with Minister Turner

By Krystle Hinds

Public Communications Specialist

The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Committee (CICCC) commenced discussion with the Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Sabrina Turner on the plans ahead for the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (CICC) with its first meeting on Friday, 5 August 2022

The CICC Committee was established in 2003 with a primary focus of advising the Minister on matters of policy affecting the Cadet Corps. Essentially, the CICCC works in partnership with the CICC, to support the development of youth in the Cayman Islands through offering an exciting, well-structured programme of training, delivered by a team of qualified and competent officers and adult instructors.

Present for the meeting were: Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Sabrina Turner; Ministry of Home Affairs Acting Chief Officer Julian Lewis; Ministry for Home Affairs Acting Deputy Chief Officer Lisa Malice; Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Acting Commandant Lt. Col. Errol Brathwaite; Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Acting Deputy Commandant Maj. Marlon Levy; Chairman of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Committee Commander Robert Scotland; Deputy Chairman of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Committee Superintendent Adrian Seales; Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Committee Members Natasha Bodden; and Ventisha Conolly. (Apologies were tendered for CICC Committee Members Lyneth Monteith and Henderson Hunte).

This meeting was an opportunity for the Minister to meet the members and for the Committee close space this space to discuss the strategic plans for the continued development and growth of the CICC. The Hon. Minister also took the opportunity to remind both Committee members and CICC Staff about the critical role they play in ensuring the continued success of the Cadet Programme through working closely together. This approach, she stressed, will be critical in helping to advance the Cadet Corps while aligning it with the Ministry’s priority of building a safer, stronger, inclusive, and resilient community.

Speaking to the CICC Committee on plans for CICC’s development, Lt. Col. Errol Brathwaite added: “The CICC is in its twentieth year of existence, a period filled with amazing experiences that have benefitted our youth across all three islands tremendously. As the Cadet Corps moves into the future, with the cooperation and support of the Cadet Corps Committee, we look forward to providing many more exciting training and development opportunities on offer and being planned for those joining CICC” Lt. Col. Brathwaite continued.

The CICCC Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and Committee members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized their commitment to advancing the vision of the CICC.

Chairman of the CICCC, Commander Robert Scotland added: “This is an ideal opportunity for our young people as there are opportunities for individuals who graduate from the CICC to transition into employment in various uniformed services and non-uniformed entities through the skills and disciplines received through participation in the Cadet Programme.”

The Committee is scheduled to meet on the third Friday of every month, with the first official meeting scheduled for Friday, 19 August 2022. 

“Building bridges, creating opportunities and mentoring our youth is an indication of the commitment by this Government to foster strategic partnerships while securing the future through youth development programmes including the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps,” remarked Minister Turner. 

 The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps has grown to over two hundred (200) Cadets today with detachments currently at Clifton Hunter High School, John Gray High School, Triple C School, and Layman E. Scott High School. Additionally, the CICC has a Band and Marine detachment.