President-designate urges revival of Cadet Corps strength at Combermere ceremony

The President-designate of Barbados, retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, has called for a revival of the Cadet Corps’ former strength at Combermere School, urging students to restore the school’s tradition of excellence in uniformed groups during its Independence Parade on Thursday.

The Combermere alumnus, who is set to take the oath of office as the second president of the republic on Independence Day, served as reviewing officer of the school’s Independence parade with the No 3 Cadet Corps Company’s armed and unarmed detachments, as well as the Combermere School Girl Guides. The morning’s programme began with the conducting sergeant major taking command, followed by the parade commander, before the units marched onto the parade square and prepared for inspection.

Dignitaries included Combermere Principal Robin Douglas, Chairman of the board Captain the Reverend Al Walcott, and Lieutenant Colonel Bostic. After receiving the parade commander’s report, Lt Col Bostic inspected the troops, accompanied by the principal, the officer in charge of the No 3 Cadet Company, Captain Micheal Jules, and the Guide leader. The armed unit marched past in slow and quick time, followed by the unarmed detachment and Guides, who marched only in quick time.

During his remarks, Lt Col Bostic reflected on his own years at Combermere, recalling how much time he spent at the school. “I don’t have to tell you that it’s a pleasure for me to be here. It really is,” he said. He urged students to continue the school’s tradition of excellence in uniformed groups, reminding them that Combermere once filled the parade square with Cadets, Scouts and Guides.

“We shall not retreat from rebuilding. Neither will we surrender Cadet supremacy or Scouting supremacy or Guide supremacy to any other school,” he said, challenging students to be on the parade square next year rather than on the sidelines.

He also encouraged students to learn more about pre-Independence Barbados, noting how far the nation has come since 1966. “Young people will take this for granted because you do not know… We have come a long way. We have achieved a lot, but we still have a long way to go,” he said, urging them to be patriotic, respectful and engaged in school life.

Several Cadets were promoted following recommendations from the officer in charge and approvals from the Barbados Cadet Corps Promotions Committee. Promoted to lance corporal were Cadets Adams, Alleyne, Bourne, Watts and Reid H.

Corporal Holder was promoted to sergeant, while Sergeant Williams advanced to staff sergeant. Cheers rang out across the square as each student received their new rank.

Deputy principal Timothy Barrett delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all who contributed to the ceremony. Addressing the reviewing officer and future Head of State, he said: “We extend our sincerest and deepest gratitude to you, sir, for honouring us with your presence… a Combermere boy who has risen and will soon assume the position of the head of state of the Republic of Barbados.”

Barrett also praised the Cadets for their turnout and discipline, the staff and board members for their support, and the parents for their presence.

(LE)