Girls encouraged to join ranks of cadet corps

(CNS): With the first every female Commandant in the Caribbean region now at the helm of the local Cadet Corps the military boss is hoping to attract other young women to its ranks. Lieutenant Colonel Bobeth Daley-O’Garro said she wanted to see more females involvement and as adult instructors, as she believes the Corps is a great way to develop leadership skills. “The Corps is a place for women to thrive, build confidence, and learn about themselves,” she said recently.   “Women may hold any position in the Corps, and female enrolment in the Cayman Islands has increased consistently over the last 10 years.”

Lt. Col. O’Garro holds a Master of Education in Counselling, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (Major) and Sociology (minor), said that already half of the current recruits are female and the corps activities provide participants the opportunity explore various areas of interest.

Ten years after joining the Cadet Corps on secondment from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, she was appointed the first-ever female Commandant to be a chairperson of the Caribbean Commandant Association.  She is a recipient of the Caribbean Cadet Medal for her service in the development of cadetting in the Cayman Islands and is also a recipient of the Cayman Islands Cadet Long Service Medal, Disaster Mitigation medal for services given during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, Dean and Paloma; as well as the Good Conduct and Meritorious Service Medal.

Major Ricardo O. Henry, Adjutant Training Officer said her work has been instrumental in keeping the Corps going. “She goes above and beyond the call of duty; is always the first to volunteer when help is needed and is seen at nearly all of our activities.  She has a way of making Cadets, parents, and volunteers feel at ease and welcome.  We are extremely proud and feel lucky to have her leading our Cadets,” he added.

The Cadet Corps has places for 70 recruits this year. The deadline for applications is this Friday 28 September and the programme is due to start 6 October.  Interested persons can contact the Cadet Corp at 345 946 9810 for registration information or visit www.cicadetcorps.ky. Students attending JGHS, CHHS and Triple CCC can obtain forms at their schools.