Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): Females dominated at the Independence 40 Drill Competition on Friday (September 22, 2023), earning awards in all but two areas.
The drill competition was staged at Basseterre Bay Road. It was contested by representatives from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), His Majesty’s Prison, St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) and the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) Cadet Corps.
The participants were divided into groups and judged for Best Fit (uniform and appearance) as well as their ability to follow and execute drill commands. The winners were: Best Fit – Senior Officer J Allen of SCASPA (male) and Woman Police Constable (WPC) Recruit Danecia Henry (female). Best Individual at Drills went to Private Ronecia Huggins of the Cadet Corps. First place was Lance Corporal (LCpl) D’Angelo Thompson of the Cadets while second place went to WPC Danecia Henry. The Best Group at Drills was Lance Corporal (LCpl) Alonné Carty and Private Ronecia Huggins of the Cadet Corps. The first runners-up were Lance Corporals D’Angelo Thompson and De Jhaun Clarke of the Cadet Corps, while WPC Recruits Danecia Henry and Jerzelle Challenger placed second.
SKNDF coordinator of the Cadet Corps, Warrant Officer (WO) Nigel Caines, said that he was extremely proud of the performance of the six Cadets who entered the Drill Competition, given that they only had one week to practice.
“I was confident in them,” WO Caines stated when asked about the competition results. “I know their skill level, and they have been working throughout the year, so I am not surprised that they did so well.”
LCpl Carty is 15 years old, while Private Huggins is 17. They congratulated the other drill competitors but said they were on a mission.
“It’s been a while since anyone has heard of the Cadet Corps, and so I just really wanted to enter to show everyone that we are here and other people can enter (the Cadets) as we have a lot of fun,” said LCpl Carty. Private Huggins said that the message was particularly geared for females as most persons believe that the Cadets are for males.
“Don’t give up. Try your best and keep pushing forward,” Private Huggins stated encouraging girls to pursue their dreams especially if it is in a male-dominated field. She noted that winning the Drill Competition has inspired her to maintain discipline on and off the parade square.
