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Education Minister reaffirms commitment to VI Cadet Corps

- said revitalisation of Cadet Corps is a central part of Gov't's vision to invest in future of young people
The Vi Cadet Corps focuses on instilling discipline, self-confidence, service, and civic responsibility through a structured curriculum that includes drill, first aid, fieldcraft, water safety, fire prevention, public speaking, wellness training, and civic and cultural education. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Cadet Corps movement in the Virgin Islands.

During the Question and Answer segment at the Eighth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Minister de Castro stated, "I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that the instruments of appointment for the Governor's Board of the Virgin Islands were issued by the Ministry of Education on the 27th of May 2025."

She added, "The formal establishment of the board marks a critical step in strengthening the structure and sustainability of a corps, and reforms the ministry's commitment to the long-term development of this important youth leadership programme."

The Board is responsible for formulating policy, managing the affairs of the Cadet Corps, preparing and submitting annual budget estimates, and carrying out duties assigned by the Cadet Corps Council. 

The corps itself focuses on instilling discipline, self-confidence, service, and civic responsibility through a structured curriculum that includes drill, first aid, fieldcraft, water safety, fire prevention, public speaking, wellness training, and civic and cultural education.

Immediate focus of Cadets Corps Board

The minister further stated, "The immediate focus of the board is to address several pressing matters, including but not limited to financials and budgeting, addressing the outstanding rank appointments of adult officers, reviewing the corps' strategic direction and developing a working template to guide future operations."

She added that efforts will also be made to ensure that board members gain a deep understanding of the VI Cadet Corps' purpose and operations by facilitating opportunities for them and other key stakeholders to absorb Cadet training at both local and regional levels.

Concerns have been raised about the limited public support and educational infrastructure for the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps. 

The Minister mentioned that the short-term milestones for the programme include expanding membership through a national recruitment drive, identifying an administrative headquarters, enlisting and mentoring adult staff to support succession planning, building partnerships with institutions such as the Cadet Vocational College in the United Kingdom and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the Cadet Corps as a premier vehicle for youth development in the Virgin Islands. 

In conclusion, Hon de Castro emphasised that the Virgin Islands government continues to invest in the future of young people, and the revitalisation of the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps is a central part of that vision.

10 Responses to “Education Minister reaffirms commitment to VI Cadet Corps”

  • BuzzBvi (18/09/2025, 17:07) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    Starting our own army!! Finally real steps towards Independence. We can then have coups and proper dictators and proper violence and people disappearing with an army. Yay Independence!

    Money is coming from what budget to go into this budget? The Adina Donovan (they don't really need it) Home or the 119% salary annual rise for impoverished HOA members family relief fund.

    Maybe close down YEP.
    • Turtle Dove (19/09/2025, 00:24) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      Before you babble your mouth you should know what the Cadet Corps is all about.Go on line and learn what this organization is all about and you will never again make such stupid comments.
      • BuzzBvi (19/09/2025, 08:29) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        I did babble a bit. I had a look. You did not mention where the funds are coming from. You just seem to have a go at me.

        On reflection....... Jeeeeez. They are training like soldiers WITH GUNS!!! It looks like we are training them like we would train our own army. My babbling was right. While googling and finding marching wth rifles, (that Facbook I saw pictures of Militia in the Congo and the pictures were not disimilar. Young people and children in army camoflage with guns and rifles.

        Best not ask me to go to google again. It really looks like we heading towards Independence with our own army.

        Where are the funds coming from again? The old people? Salries of the HOA? Donations from gun manufacturures?

        Hope money is not coming from YEP!!! The best program for youth. Done without guns. But hope it works out for the people involved and that we end up with an army to take place of the UK defense we have now and not a Militia and Independence with children and rrifles.
  • Hmmmmm (18/09/2025, 19:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why isn't Hon. Turnbull assisting with this? This is the one thing he was actually good at and made inroads with instead of just complaining and seeking power. Bring back the youth rehabilitation and development programs!
  • development (18/09/2025, 19:37) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thus the first time someone of this esteem has said something of value for the cadets I hope that this dont go down on deaf ears and a bottomless pit
    For all senor schools there should been a cadets corp established long overdue
    I am 110% all for this because it a school program
  • Vision (18/09/2025, 20:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was another brilliant idea by Vernon Malone
  • fight (18/09/2025, 23:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just keep those male pedo officers away from them boy. They alrdy have other local pedo men to worry about as it is
  • @Buzzbvi (19/09/2025, 07:06) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    Go read about Kenya. Sit down your homeland did more damage to the world than the dirtiest BVI lander
    • BuzzBvi (19/09/2025, 11:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mmmm. This is what I found in my first result. Now what?
      Guns in Kenya are a significant problem, with the country facing widespread gun violence and a thriving illegal arms market, leading to efforts like the recent destruction of over 6,000 weapons in June 2025 to combat the problem. The illegal market is fueled by sources including corrupt security forces and well-armed herders, while the police and military use a range of weapons from assault rifles to submachine guns and pistols.
      Not sure what your point is? We would be better off with AF back with Cartels, Guns and Independence and well armed Millitias.
      Let me know when I can stand up again please. Tx


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