Barbados Fire Cadet Programme – 26 Years Of Developing Leaders

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) yesterday officially launched its 2026 Fire Cadet Programme under the theme “Empowering Tomorrow’s Future Leaders”.

Now in its 26th year, the programme continues to empower young Barbadians by fostering leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a spirit of community service.

Addressing the launch ceremony at the Parkinson Memorial School, Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Gregory Nicholls, described the Fire Cadet Programme as an initiative that has transformed the lives of many young Barbadians and has grown into much more than a summer activity.

The Minister announced that this year’s programme had doubled its intake from 50 to 100 cadets and would be held for six weeks instead of five. He explained that participants will develop leadership and discipline, while gaining practical skills in areas such as fire safety and first aid.

“You will discover the importance of discipline, integrity, communication, leadership, emergency preparedness, and community service. Too often, indifference replaces involvement, and spectatorship replaces participation. It will transform passive interest into personal, purposeful action. It will turn your curiosity into competence, uncertainty into confidence and useful energy into leadership.

“Most importantly, it will demonstrate that our young people are not the problems to be solved, but partners in building a future Barbados…. It is my hope that the Fire Cadet Programme will continue to offer a powerful alternative for our Barbadian youth,” Mr. Nicholls stated.

The Minister also commended the BFS, particularly the Fire Cadet Director, the Cadet Coordinators, instructors, volunteers, sponsors, and all others who have contributed to the programme’s success over the past 26 years.

“I wish you much success…. Your dedication reflects your commitment to investing in Barbados’ greatest resource, which is, of course, our young people. Beyond teaching emergency response skills, you, the officers, are helping to shape a generation that understands the value of preparedness, adaptability, and civic responsibility. You are cultivating young citizens who are ready to innovate, solve problems, and contribute positively to their communities,” he said. Mr. Nicholls also wished the cadets a rewarding, safe, and enjoyable summer.

Fire Officer 363 Rozel Davis, the programme’s first female Coordinator, stressed that the initiative extends far beyond training. 

“It is an investment in the future of Barbados. Each cadet here today represents the strength, courage, and potential of our nation’s youth. By equipping them with knowledge, skill, and values, we are preparing them not only to respond to emergencies, but also to lead with integrity in their schools, community, and their country,” Ms. Davis emphasised.

During the six-week programme, cadets will receive instruction in fire safety, first aid, disaster preparedness, water safety, teamwork, leadership, physical fitness, drills, and a range of other practical skills. 

Among the participants is 12-year-old Jakayri Moseley of the St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School, who said he enrolled because he wants “to be a fireman”. He is particularly looking forward to learning about fire and water safety and taking part in the practical aspects of the programme. (PR/GIS)