Minister of Home Affairs and Information Gregory Nicholls has challenged 56 graduates of the Barbados Fire Service Cadet Programme to guard their character as they take the discipline and leadership skills gained during six weeks of training back to their schools and communities.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 26th Barbados Fire Service Cadet Programme at Parkinson Secondary School on Monday, Nicholls said the training had equipped the young people with valuable skills extending beyond firefighting.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information Gregory Nicholls speaking on the sidelines to Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard during the evening’s drill exercises. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
“You’ve learned important skills and you’ve seen them demonstrated here today,” the minister told the cadets. “You’ve developed discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership and emergency response awareness.”
He said the programme had also given participants a deeper understanding of what it means to serve as a firefighter.
“Most importantly, you’ve learned that being a firefighter is not just about holding the hose or looking heroic in a uniform. You’ve also learned that firefighting requires preparation,” Nicholls said.
While acknowledging the technical skills acquired during the programme, the minister said one of the most important lessons was the value of character.
“Guard your character,” he urged. “Character is what helps us make the right choices when no one is watching. Character is what inspires us to help others. Character is what transforms ordinary individuals into great leaders.”
Minister of Home Affairs and Information Gregory Nicholls (centre) congratulating Fire Cadet Tredan Archer on being awarded Most Disciplined, Foot Drill and Instructor awards as Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard looks on. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Nicholls encouraged the cadets to continue building on the foundation established during the six-week programme by becoming positive influences wherever they go.
“I encourage you to continue building on what you have learned here over the last six weeks,” he said. “Be the leaders in your schools. Let the teachers say there is something different about this girl or this boy from last year.”
He also challenged the young people to take active roles in their communities, churches and sporting organisations, noting that leadership is not determined by age but by a willingness to serve others.
“Be positive influencers among your friends, active members of your communities where you live, where you go to church, and the teams or sports that you play,” he said. “Remember, leadership is not about being the oldest person in the room.”
Nicholls said Barbados’ future depended on young people who were prepared to learn, serve and step forward when difficulties arise.
“The future of Barbados, the future of our republic, depends on young people like you,” he said. “This country needs young people who are willing to learn, willing to serve and willing to step forward when challenges arise.”
The Home Affairs Minister reminded the cadets that they have a responsibility to help shape the nation’s future.
“No one is coming to save us,” he said, urging them to use the discipline, confidence and leadership skills gained through the programme to make a positive impact on Barbados.
(SB)
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