Members of the Kingston College Cadet Unit stand at attention as they await inspection during last Wednesday's Second Battalion Jamaica Combined Cadet Force inspection parade 2008 at the North Street Campus in Kingston. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)
Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer
BY INGRID BROWN Career & Education staff reporter browni@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, March 08, 2009
KINGSTON College (KC) has long been known for its prowess at sports and in academics, so it comes as little surprise that its Cadet Unit should have the biggest battalion in the entire Caribbean and is one of the most accomplished.
In addition to the many top awards the unit has received since its inception in 1940 as a sub-unit of the then functioning Army Training Corp in Jamaica, it also helps to mold the boys into disciplined, dedicated and committed students.
Lieutenant Jermaine Garvey explained that unlike other extra-curricular activities at schools, the cadet does not offer an immediate reward like track and field or football. However, he said it provides for lifetime character change.
"It produces better leaders, citizens and it develops self-confidence, self-discipline and the willingness and ability to serve," he told Career & Education.
Garvey said that at the beginning of each school year when they recruit new cadets, a large number of students eagerly sign up. However, he noted that there are some who fall out along the way when they are exposed to the level of discipline it requires.
For those who see it through to the end, it has proven beneficial.
Garvey points to the achievements of KC deputy head boy Damian Hylton who has attained the highest cadet rank that a student can - warrant officer - as a case in point. Hylton is the past president of the student council, current chairman and advisor for the student council, as well as a member of the science and interact clubs. He was also Student of the Year for 2007 and earned six distinctions and four credits in the Caribbean Council Examinations (CXC).
Second lieutenant Peta-Ann Gray, the only female officer at the all-boys cadet unit, said the boys are easy to motivate, particularly as they grow to love it. She credits the teachings and training of the unit for the the discipline of students, especially those who may have had behavioural problems before becoming members.
Gray noted that the fact that she was a female officer also helped to motivate the boys to excel, as they try to do all that she does.
"They see me as one of the boys because I am not afraid to do just about anything," she told Career & Education.
Last Wednesday, the unit gave an outstanding performance at the KC Cadet Unit Second Battalion Jamaica Combined Cadet Force Inspection 2008 as they showcased the skills acquired during the near seven months of training of new recruits.
The annual inspection was attended by the school's principal, staff, students and parents. The competitions were keenly contested and performances were of the usually high standard as the boys, meticulously attired in their starched uniforms, marched in unison to the melodious sounds of the Drum Corps.
Garvey explained that at the inspection parade, the cadets display the achievements of the unit in the areas of fire prevention, first aid and drama.
At the same time, he noted that there are 65 cadet units islandwide which is further divided into seven battalions. KC falls in the second battalion and is the largest in the entire Caribbean with a total of 111 personnel.
The unit is currently preparing to compete in the islandwide competition to identify the top battalion. But the school knows what it means to be victorious in competitions having won numerous trophies over the years.
Their awards over the years have included the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Ruel Vaz Trophy.
