New BDF recruits told to serve with integrity

Forty-one new soldiers recruited into the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) have been urged to serve their office and country with integrity.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Dale Marshall reminded the young men and women that “from recent events you should be aware that your uniforms and your office will not put any of you above the law.”

Marshall was delivering the feature address at the historic St Ann’s Fort, the headquarters of the BDF, during Saturday’s Passing Out Parade of the recruit intake No. 1 of 2021.

“You all are here to provide the best quality of military service to the people of Barbados whenever and wherever duty calls. In essence, you are here to serve our national flag and all that it embodies.

“The military is a place of high standards and the Defence Force will be judged based on how you carry yourselves outside the walls of the barracks. You will be judged on your standard of dress. You will be judged on your conduct on the streets …

“In seeking to keep our ethical and moral compass on the right and good bearings, I encourage all of you to examine the ethical and moral parameters that are prevalent and that are the standard bearers of the Defence Force. Consider first of all whether the action you take is right or wrong, honourable, disgraceful, good or bad,” Marshall said.

“I expect that as members of the Defence Force, you will all strive to demonstrate integrity, sound judgement, [and] solid moral principles as you discharge of your many duties. I expect also that as members of the Defence Force you will remain faithful and consistently bear true allegiance to Barbados,” Marshall stated.

He bemoaned the fact that this was the first intake of new recruits into the BDF since 2018.

“That is too long a time to pass without bringing new blood, new members, new young men and women into this organisation. But I am heartened because the [Chief of Staff] Commodore [Errington Shurland] has indicated to me that he expects to have a No.1 of 2022 starting in July,” he added.

The Attorney General was however quick to point out that despite the manpower and resource challenges, the BDF’s readiness to respond to various requests for assistance, whether at home or within the region, “ is worthy of note”.

“The Defence Force has demonstrated its capacity to accomplish tasks which at times may seem impossible.

“The vulnerable, complex, uncertain world environment to which Barbados is inextricably linked presents for us a multiplicity of security challenges, many not of our making …

“… Barbados is not immune to the security threats that exist. It is therefore of utmost importance that the Defence Force and all other security agencies in Barbados be ready not only to respond in the aftermath of events, but to be involved in proactive and decisive action to counter, and if necessary eliminate, any threats to our peace, stability and security,” he added.

During the ceremony several new recruits were presented with awards following the 16 weeks of “rigorous” training.

The Best at Academics was Kristian Doughty; Best at Drill was Keshon Waterman, who was also runner up to Best Recruit; Best in Marksmanship went to Shyeam Jones-Coombs; Best Among Peers was Raheem Sargeant; Jade Yearwood was Best at Physical Training and; the Best Recruit of No. 1 of 2021 was Justin Edwards.

Commander Mark Peterson, Staff adviser to the Chief of Staff, also urged the new recruits to maintain the qualities of the profession of arms as they embark on their “illustrious” military career.

“Your loyalty and dedication to the people you serve will undoubtedly assist with the achievement of Barbados’ national objectives. Needless to say that our service must not be for sale to the highest bidder.

He explained that it was the Force’s intention to continue to “encourage solid citizens into our ranks – dependable, reliable and who display confidence and courage in all situations. Individuals that will serve this country with all their hearts.” (FW)