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Barbados Cadet Corps Seeking To Boost Numbers

The Barbados Cadet Corps will explore the idea of looking outside of its traditional base to boost numbers as the new Commandant, Commander David Dowridge, is on a mission to include all sectors of society into its ranks.

Commander Dowridge said he intends to grow the ranks from approximately 700 cadets to over 1,000 cadets in the short-term, as he spoke to the media today during the mid-morning break at the Principals’ Coordinating Conference at Hodgson Hall Conference Room, St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St. Michael.

The Commandant stated that the Corps would employ creative ways to appeal to those outside of the normal base to come into the fold possibly starting from the next school year.

“So, we’re looking to appeal to people who may be, from a religious point of view, Muslims, Rastafari and other groups who are not joining. So, we are looking to have discussions with those representatives with a view to attracting them into the Cadet Corps so that they can benefit from the cadets. Inclusion is the word, so that we have a bigger pool to draw from. The cadets will increase in numbers but we get the opportunity to influence a wider cross section of the Barbados community,” he underlined.

Commander Dowridge acknowledged that if there is buy-in from other groups, some adjustments may be needed but stressed that discussions would be held with the representative bodies before any changes are decided. He also pointed out that there would be no changes to the Corps’ principles during the intake.

Meanwhile Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson, pledged the Ministry of Education’s support in the Corps’ activities and endorsed the call for more numbers.

“I will support the cry for persons to come on as well and to volunteer. It is not only in cadets, but we know in a lot of our other groups … the Girl Guides, the Boy Scouts …. The numbers have dwindled because of COVID. Cadetting is one thing that we are pushing, especially in secondary school, and we are encouraging not only the public schools, but the private schools to come on board as well as …. So, the Ministry of Education is here to support….”

Mrs. Adamson also underscored the importance of disciplined students and those who showed leadership skills, and emphasised that this is what the Ministry was aiming to achieve in all schools.

Principal of the Frederick Smith Secondary School and President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Stephen Jackman, added that being a part of the Corps built teamwork among students.

“There is no way that you can be busy fighting when you’re working in a team. It is so important for our young people to learn how to depend on each other, that this is an important thing to do,” he maintained.

Mr. Jackman said at a time when the island’s youth “are facing so much”, it was now important that schools, the Cadet Corps, service organisations retool to offer young people alternatives other than “what is being fed to them as a regular diet everyday”.

The joint-conference had as its the had as its theme: Understanding the Future with Creativity, Commitment and Confidence. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Commandant of the Barbados Cadet Corps Commander David Dowridge; Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson; and President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Stephen Jackman, in discussion during a break at the Principals’ Coordinating Conference, today

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The Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts 24th International Chinese Bridge Competition

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted its annual Chinese Bridge Competition. Held at the Confucius Institute building, this prestigious event provides a platform for Chinese language students to showcase and enhance their linguistic and cultural skills while deepening their understanding of China’s rich heritage.

*Secondary School participant, Davesha Chassang performing a traditional Chinese dance*

The competition featured three categories—Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels—allowing students to demonstrate their abilities through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and performances in traditional Chinese art forms. Participants represented schools and institutions across Barbados that have partnered with the Confucius Institute to deliver Chinese language instruction to Barbadian students.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel including: a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Kerri-Ann Haynes-Knight representing the Office of the Principal UWI Cave Hill, Ms. Philomena Lee from the Chinese Association of Barbados, Ms. Sabrina Hoyte representing the Barbados-China Returned Scholars Association, Professor Nie Lu (Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute), and Dr. Ché Corbin (Local Director of the Confucius Institute).

*Winners of the Secondary school competition pictured with judges*

Record Participation and Innovation

This year’s competition achieved unprecedented growth, with significant increases in Primary and Secondary school participation. Secondary school participants rose to 10 students—a five-fold increase from last year’s 2 participants—while Primary school entries grew from 12 to 15 students. The Tertiary level featured two accomplished participants.

*Primary school participants receiving certificates from Judges*

The competition also showcased remarkable diversity in talent performances, with several notable firsts including food preparation demonstrations, traditional dressmaking, and a captivating Guzheng performance at the Primary level. Both judges and audience members were impressed by the artistry and confidence displayed by the young competitors, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the Institute’s committed investment in their development.

Recognition and Encouragement

Following the performances, speeches, and quizzes, all participants received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements. The judging panel addressed the students, encouraging continued language study and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that Chinese language proficiency can provide. Special commendation was given to the Institute’s teachers and students’ parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Acknowledgments

The Confucius Institute extends its gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of the Chinese Bridge Competition and the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Barbados. The Institute also congratulates all participating students and wishes the competition winners success as they advance to represent Barbados in the global competition in China later this year.

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Eleven St. John Recipients Receive Pride Of Barbados Awards

Eleven persons from St. John who have contributed substantially to the development of the parish and its residents over the years have received Pride of Barbados Awards.

The St. John honourees were presented with their insignias by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason yesterday morning at State House. President Mason thanked the awardees for their dedication and acts towards the development of her ‘home’ parish and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

The fifth batch of honourees receiving insignias, as part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative, were: Richard Arthur, Pearson Bellamy, J.P., Neville Bridgeman, Sonia Burgess-Haynes, Dr. Keisha Gustave, Samantha Haynes, J.P., De Andra Howard, Myrtle Husbands, Roland Waithe, Dale Lashley and Diaspora Awardee Lennox Llewellyn Padmore.

Areas for which the awardees were recognised included humanitarianism and philanthropy; lifelong dedicated service to the Codrington Estate; leadership; excellence in public health; community empowerment; educating and mentoring young people; promoting sporting excellence; and agriculture.

Following the ceremony, three awardees shared with the media their reaction to being recipients of the Pride of Barbados Award.

Pearson Bellamy, J.P., age 83, is a former teacher, meteorologist and government printer. He was recognised for being a steward of culture, a guardian of truth, and a living archive for his dedicated service as a community griot and cultural icon.

“I’m happy to be honoured today. Thank God that He’s given me the privilege to…receive this honour this morning,” Mr. Bellamy stated.

He added: “For the past 63 years, I’ve been working with the youth, with the old, and with everybody else with respect to drama, folk singing, music, and I was president of a number of organisations in St. John. And I’m happy to share that as long as I have strength and the energy, I will continue to do so.”

Eighty-year-old Shopkeeper Myrtle Husbands said: “I am very humble and grateful to the Government and people of St. John.”

She is known for her invaluable contributions to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, protecting and providing refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children, as well as fostering a more caring and cohesive community in Colleton, St. John.

When asked what drives her to assist others, she responded: “I think it’s just me … it comes natural. When I see people in need, I help them. If I see people, you know, like disadvantaged, I try to give them any assistance that I can.”

She advised younger persons in the community to put God first in their lives and to help any person in need.

Meanwhile, De Andra Howard, a 42-year-old teacher at the Mount Tabor Primary, expressed her surprise and delight at being awarded. “It feels amazing,” she remarked.

She has been awarded for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education, as well as national anti-violence initiatives. Ms. Howard emphasised the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“You know, sometimes you work hard behind the scenes and you say you’re never going to be recognised. But as I always say to my students and to the young people that I inspire, work hard and someday it will pay off, somebody will recognise you.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (centre) poses with ten of the Pride of Barbados Awardees from St. John at State House

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Road Rehabilitation Of Eagle Hall Road

The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) will carry out road rehabilitation on Eagle Hall Road in St. Michael from the Eagle Hall traffic lights to the Lower Bank Hall traffic lights, under its Focused Roads Programme.

Starting Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Infra Construction Inc. will dig test pits along this road between 8:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. During this time, the road will be reduced to one lane. Test pits are a crucial preparatory step in road rehabilitation as they provide critical information about the road’s subbase.

Infra Construction Inc. will begin road rehabilitation on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will continue for approximately eight weeks from 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The scope of work includes excavation, deep milling, sidewalk as well as slipper and kerb repairs, and paving. During this time, the road will be closed. More details will be provided closer to the start date.

MTW and Infra Construction Inc. apologise for the inconvenience and thank businesses, residents, and motorists for their understanding and cooperation. (PR/GIS)