TWENTY-FOUR NEW SOLDIERS JOIN ST. KITTS-NEVIS DEFENCE FORCE AFTER HISTORIC GRADUATION IN NEVIS

The ceremony, held at the E. T. Willet Park in Nevis, was historic as it was the first time that an SKNDF training and graduation was held on the island of Nevis. There were several other notable firsts, including a raise in pay for the recruits and the seven-month training period, which usually runs for up to four months. The extended period was necessary due to some logistical challenges at the start of the course during the first couple of weeks.

Among the courses covered during the August 01-March 12 training were Foot and Rifle Drills, Land Navigation, Fieldcraft and Minor Tactics, Skill at Arms, First Aid, Internal Security, and Physical Training.

At the conclusion of the recruit course, Ozan Huggins was adjudged Best Overall Recruit. He also earned awards for Best at Fieldcraft and Minor Tactics, Best at Map and Land Navigation, and was the Most Disciplined recruit. Recruit John Singh was recognised for being the Best Rifle Shot, as well as the Best Pistol Shot. Recruit Jaheim Browne was Best at Drills, Recruit Bjorn Jones earned Best at Physical Training, while Recruit T-Kardo Browne was the Most Improved.

Acting Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Major Kayode Sutton, encouraged the recruits.

“Recruits, you answered a call greater than self, you accepted the rigours of training and endured long hours, accepted corrections, and learnt to work as a team. By successfully completing this Basic Military Course, you have earned the rank of Private in the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, and I say congratulations,” he expressed. “… Be proud of what you have accomplished, remain humble in the knowledge that the path ahead will demand more. There will be harder courses, greater responsibilities and moments that test your character. Meet them with the same determination and discipline you showed to reach this far.”

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, highlighted the importance of the SKNDF to the security infrastructure of the twin-island Federation.

“You have chosen a noble profession. A profession defined not by comfort but by commitment. A profession where the measure of success is not personal gain but national pride. A profession that demands sacrifice. And at the heart of that sacrifice lies the very motto of our Federation, “Country Above Self,” Dr. Drew stated. “… It means showing up when your country calls, standing firm when others may retreat, protecting the peace and security that allow our people to live, work and build their futures in safety.”

The prime minister thanked the families of the graduating men and women for their sacrifice in allowing their loved ones to serve and expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of a grateful nation. He ended by encouraging the now privates to serve with courage, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.

Among those in attendance at Thursday’s ceremony were Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marcella Liburd, who inspected the parade of the newly commissioned soldiers; Deputy Governor-General for Nevis, Her Honour Hyleta Liburd; Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Premier of Nevis, Honourable Mark Brantley; members of the Nevis Island Administration, and family members and friends of the graduating soldiers.