SVG Cadet Force Welcomes Barbados Cadet Corps
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force is marking its 90th anniversary with a landmark camp that brings together local units and regional partners to honor nine decades of youth development. The celebrations highlight the organization’s long-standing dedication to discipline, leadership, patriotism, and community service.
A significant highlight of this year’s event is the participation of a 16-member contingent from the Barbados Cadet Corps. The Barbadian group arrived in the country on July 11, 2026, to join local cadets and officers in a diverse program featuring military, leadership, educational, and cultural activities. This collaboration underscores the regional partnerships aimed at strengthening youth development across the Caribbean.
The anniversary activities included a public sports day held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Members of the public were invited to witness cadets from across the nation and the visiting Barbadian corps compete in track and field events, relays, and military-style challenges. The event served as a display of the athletic ability, teamwork, and spirited camaraderie that the force instills in its members.
Cadets at the camp have been engaged in a challenging curriculum including leadership development, drill, fieldcraft, weapons training, and disaster preparedness. Other training areas include mass-casualty response, small-engine operation, first aid, and survival training, all designed to foster responsible young leaders.
The 90th anniversary is being observed under the theme: “90 Years of Discipline, Patriotism and Honour: Celebrating Our Past, Strengthening Our Present, and Shaping Our Future”. This milestone brought together representatives from every operational unit, including the North Leeward, Barrouallie, Georgetown, and Bequia units, as well as specialized groups like the Marine Unit and the Search and Rescue Medical Unit.
Major Dr. Idelia Ferdinand, the Acting Commandant of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force, expressed appreciation for the continued support from the government, parents, and the general public over the past ninety years. The organization remains committed to empowering the nation’s youth through service and citizenship while continuing to build regional partnerships.
