KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr has asked that an islandwide needs assessment and evaluation study of the current programme offerings of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) be done.

This follows discussions with JCCF youth leaders and in keeping with plans to strengthen and expand cadet programmes across the island, a news release from the ministry disclosed.

Charles recently engaged the senior cadet leaders across Jamaica during the Star 3 and 4 Training at the JCCF headquarters at Up Park Camp. The discussions centred on some of the challenges facing the Cadet Corps, as well as the opportunities to maximize the impact of the Corps, the ministry said.

Among the key recommendations emerging from the consultations was the need for the standardisation of cadet units and programmes across all schools.

This is expected to address the resource constraints in some schools that result in “uneven capacity to carry out cadet activities” and the sub-optimal participation of rural cadet units in national events.

The young cadet leaders also advocated for the establishment of a support system to offer grants/scholarships for cadets and volunteers and expansion of national events to include activities such as an annual beach clean-up. They also suggested that school policy be modified to facilitate the integration of students exhibiting deviant behaviour into the cadet programmes as a crime prevention measure.

Charles welcomed the suggestions, noting that his administration will also ensure that cadet programmes are keeping pace with technology. In this respect, he noted that cadet skill badges will be linked to competencies in areas such as technology, and certification will be facilitated where applicable.

“The JCCF is an important institution in Jamaica that has a successful track record in cultivating discipline, good work ethics, leadership and life skills among Jamaica’s youth”, declared Charles.

“As we seek to transform this organisation to meet the needs of today’s realities, the Government is demonstrating its commitment to youth engagement. I am looking forward to working with the JCCF leadership as well as the rank and file leaders to catalyse a process of peer mentorship that will inspire and unleash the creative energies in disciplined ways to the benefit of our communities and the nation”, the minister added.