Junior Fire Cadet Programme Bringing Positivity To Young Lives

The Barbados Junior Fire Cadet Programme not only teaches young people the art of extinguishing fires, but empowers them to discover how to “light a fire” of self-belief, self-respect and personal excellence in their own lives.

These words of inspiration were imparted by the Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, at a recent feature address to 28 young charges, at the opening ceremony of this year’s 25th anniversary of the Junior Fire Cadet Programme.

During the ceremony, held at the Barbados Fire Service’s Arch Hall Fire Academy in St. Thomas, the Minister advised the cadets, ages 13 to 17, that the Programme was about becoming the best version of themselves. 

“You will all be trained in fire safety, first aid, foot drill, hose handling, knots, ropes and even public speaking. You will learn how to deal with stress; how to manage anger; how to build self-confidence; [and] how to lead with integrity. You’ll also learn about empathy, responsibility and accountability,” the Minister expounded.

The first female coordinator of the Programme, Fire Officer 363, Rozel Davis, in congratulating the new cadet intake, said: “You will be exposed to the core principles of fire fighting, community service, leadership and teamwork, but more importantly, you will learn about yourselves, your strength, your potential and your capacity to serve others with pride.”

This year’s Junior Fire Cadet Programme has been expanded to feature life skills; emotional intelligence; leadership training; digital literacy and spiritual grounding. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams (first row, 5th from left); Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard (left); Programme Coordinator, Rozel Davis (front row, 2nd from right); and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Wendy Odle, pose for a photo with the junior fire cadets.