Sixty Recruits Join Cadet Corps

By: CIG Public Relations -   

The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (CICC) welcomed sixty new members and recognised outstanding performance during its annual passing out parade and presentation ceremonies held recently. The recruits, who were from the John Gray and Clifton Hunter High Schools in Grand Cayman and the Layman E. Scott High School in Cayman Brac, included 27 females and 33 males.

The ceremonies, held at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in Grand Cayman and the Layman E. Scott High School in Cayman Brac, marked the end of seven months of training and allowed the cadets to showcase their new skills. Decked out in their multi-terrain pattern uniform, the recruits recited the cadets’ promise signalling their transition from recruits to fully-fledged cadets.

Reviewing Officer and Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Sabrina Turner commended the graduating class for staying the course to become cadets, “Each and every one of you graduating today has set the tone as our future leaders, our future protectors of these beloved islands, and it is hard not to say that the future is even brighter. I encourage you to continue on the forward and positive momentum.”

Minister Turner further explained “The synergies between the Cadet Corps and other uniformed entities within public safety, are part and parcel of the more extensive strategy to invest time, resources and our efforts into our future Cayman.”

In commenting, CICC Commandant, Colonel Errol Brathwaite congratulated the recruits and expressed gratitude to all the parties involved in the journey. “I just want to take this opportunity to say to you young individuals who’ve just joined the ranks of the CICC, a heartfelt congratulations. But I also want to say to all parents and guardians, thank you for your continued support because, without you, we would not have been able to reach where we are this evening.”

During the ceremonies, the recruits were presented their basic star army proficiency certificates. Cadets Khylie Henry and Xander Oli were recognised as the best female male recruits from the John Gray High School Detachment, respectively. Cadets Giovanni Rookwood and Neveah Taffe were recognised as the best male and female recruits from the Clifton Hunter High School Detachment, respectively. In a similar presentation, Cadets Ryan Judista and Olivia Walton were named best male and female recruits from the Layman E. Scott High School Detachment, Cayman Brac, respectively. The best overall recruit award was presented to Cadet Khylie Henry.

The cadets were also recognised in the areas of drill and academics. Thirteen cadets in Grand Cayman were specially recognised for achieving 100 per cent on the academic test.

The CICC now in its 22nd year in the Cayman Islands provides High School students between 11 and 18 years with practical life skills. The training emphasises the value of citizenship, leadership, community service, personal responsibility, a sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, teamwork and self-discipline.