Sea cadets head to Hong Kong for international exchange

A Barbados Sea Cadets team is on its way to Hong Kong for a 10-day international camp to train alongside counterparts from Asia and Africa while showcasing Barbadian culture abroad.

Lieutenant Coast Guard Jerome Belle. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

“The Barbados Sea Cadets will be attending an international camp in Hong Kong, ready to be engaged in sea cadet activities and cultural exchanges with Korean cadets, South African cadets, and also Hong Kong cadets,” Coast Guard Lieutenant Jerome Belle told reporters as 11 cadets, an officer, and two supporting staff members prepared for departure.

Some of the 11 sea cadets viewing the departure screen at the Grantley Adams International Airport, as they eagerly await their flight. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

“The cadets will be there for 10 days conducting various training and engaging in cultural activities. Additionally, they will experience all local cuisine and also share Barbadian cuisine and history and culture with the international cadets.”

The sea cadets are members of the International Sea Cadet Association, through which participating countries host annual international exchanges.

For the cadets, the trip represents an opportunity to form friendships beyond Barbados while gaining a better understanding of life in other countries.

Petty Officer Khalil Barrow said, “One of the things that I’m mostly looking forward to from this trip is making new friends, learning about different cultures and perspectives, not only those from the host country, which will be Hong Kong, but also from the other countries that will be attending.

Petty Officer Khalil Barrow. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

“We’ll be also having various conferences to meet new people, and we will be just having a great time making new friends, understanding new cultures and also helping the other countries that are coming to understand our culture as well.”

“I’m looking forward to the food,” said Leading Seaman Kris-Elle Jasper, describing herself as a “picky eater” who tends to stick to her comfort foods.

Leading Seaman Kris-Elle Agard Jasper. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

“My mom told me I’m going to a new country, I’m going to a new place, I need to try new foods.

“I would try to explore the different cuisines that I’m going to be eating for these few days.”

The cadets are expected to return to Barbados on August 17.

(SB)