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.