Cadet Corps graduates 38

Since school closed a few weeks ago, we’ve looked at a wide variety of summer camps for children. Today we visited a group of young men whose camp lasted a lot longer than the summer. Ann-Marie reports.

Cordel Hyde, Min. of Education

“Making the right choices also involves taking responsibility for your actions. We can’t blame the actions on someone or something else. I did this because I couldn’t find a job, or I did that because nobody gave me a chance. That’s not good enough. It’s all about you my young brothers, defy the odds, don’t be what they expect you to be. You know the odds are stacked against you, but don’t give them an excuse not to hire you, have the right attitude and work to get the right skills. And if they deny you today, knock on the door again tomorrow.”

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting

Thirty-eight boys took on the ten-month challenge as Challengers at the National Youth Cadet Service Corps. After acquiring skills training, remedial work in English, mathematics and social studies, along with drills and personal development, it’s graduation day. The third commencement exercises were held at their headquarters at mile twenty-one on the Western Highway.

While family and friends sheltered from the broiling sun, the cadets took it alfresco… until the sun becomes too much for this cadet. (Cadet being carried away)

Challenger David Graham and Uwani Nunez welcomed the gathering, and it wasn’t just in English. (Welcome address in English and Garifuna)

According to manager Rudolph Conorquie, intake three started back in October 2001 with sixty boys. One week after Hurricane Iris fifty-five reported. Today, only thirty-eight endured.

Cadet John McDougall placed first in welding and was given special recognition for always being well attired. Catarino Ramirez Jr. scored the highest among the fifteen boys who sat the P.S.E. The cadets were not the only ones bursting with pride.

Gilda Jones, William McDougall’s Mom

“I tried mek (make) sure that he come and that he noh miss no time and I give him advice and courage fi mek ih (to let him) come and get through. I always mek ih know that I proud of him and things like that.”

Catarino Ramirez Sr., Catarino Ramirez’s Dad

“Very good, very good. It’s all amazing to me.”

Francisca McDougall, John McDougall’s Mom

“It been a challenge to watch, and I’m very proud of him to see that he has met the challenge set before him. When he first came in he said, “Mom I don’t want to do this, I don’t think I could do it.” But later on as the programme progressed he said, “I think I can do it.” It has given him a sense of discipline and a sense of direction. And I think most parents now should look at it as not somewhere to throw their children, but somewhere where their children will get discipline and direction to make them better citizens for Belize.”

Guest speaker, Education Minister Cordel Hyde had a special message for parents who turned out to support their boys.

Cordel Hyde

“Sacrifice the things you want for the things you need. Set the right example, you can’t do one thing and tell the kids to do the other. It’s doesn’t work that way, you have to lead by example, what you do they follow. Too many parents have strayed from their responsibilities. It’s hard for our young men to be good fathers if they don’t have their father around to show them the way. Our young women will have a hard time becoming good mothers if their mothers are never around.”

Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.

Several of the thirty-eight cadets will be attending the Centre for Employment Training beginning in August.