The Junior Fire Cadet scheme has been challenged to at least double its annual intake of participants, as Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams declared the current numbers insufficient and called for “no less than 100 young persons” to be enrolled in time for next year’s intake.
The Junior Fire Cadet programme, launched in 2000 and targeting 12- to 15-year-olds, has evolved into a training ground not only for firefighting skills but also for discipline, teamwork, and personal development.
Delivering the feature address at Friday’s passing-out parade at the Barbados Fire Academy, Arch Hall, St Thomas, Abrahams said the current annual intake of fewer than 50 cadets was not enough, given the value of the initiative.
“I am so completely impressed with you, with what you have done and with this programme, that I instructed the chief fire officer that 27 young people a year is not good enough for me. It is not good enough for our programme,” he said.
Addressing Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard, the minister said: “By this parade next year, Chief, I will accept no less than 100 young persons.”
The five-week programme, which began on July 14, saw 28 junior cadets – 18 males and 10 females – successfully complete training in firefighting skills, ropes and knots, first aid, CPR, squad drills, conflict resolution, and presentation skills.
Abrahams also said he expected all cadets to participate in this year’s Independence Parade, noting that last year’s batch made history when they took part in the national activity.
The minister praised the cadets for their growth in skill, discipline, and confidence, stressing that while motivation “gets us started”, discipline is what sustains success.
“Motivation is only the spark. Discipline is the fire that keeps you going long after the initial applause fades. Discipline is the steady, deliberate choice to do the right thing, even when it is not easy, even when you don’t feel like it, and even when no one is watching,” he said.
“Every decision you make today, how you treat others, how you spend your time, whether you choose the easy road or the right road, will shape the person you will be tomorrow. Doing the right thing once is good; doing it consistently is what changes your life.”
The minister urged cadets to carry the values gained in the programme – including courage, respect, service, and self-control – into their schools, homes, and communities.
Abrahams also commended parents and guardians for their visible support and encouraged them to praise their children when they do well, just as they correct them when they go wrong.
“They need to know when they do well that somebody is watching, in the same way as when they do something wrong people are quick to notice. Keep supporting them, keep helping them to do the right thing, keep encouraging them, and guide them when they are wrong,” he said.
This year’s intake also benefited from new elements, including a junior instructor course to build leadership skills and safety of life at sea (SOLAS) training in partnership with the Barbados Coast Guard.
Also addressing the event, Divisional Officer Tremelle Perch noted that the Junior Fire Cadet programme, now in its 25th year, has played a vital role in guiding and moulding young people in a positive direction and contributing to national development.
He shared that there is also a Senior Fire Cadet programme held at Arch Hall Fire Station, featuring those who previously graduated from the Junior programme.
Friday’s passing-out parade showcased snippets of what the juniors had covered throughout the five weeks and awarded top performers.
Among the special awardees were Malia Huggins, who was named Best Cadet and also secured Best at Theory (female) and Best at Deportment (female).
Other top awards went to Travelle Braithwaite for Best at Theory (male), Jeremiah James for Best at Practical (male), and Kaiya Brewster for Best at Practical (female). (SM)
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