MINISTER of State in the Ministry of National Security Senator Pearnel Charles Jr says his ministry intends to introduce programmes from Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) in communities that are plagued by violence.

“For those areas where we see a spike in crime, we want to go in there, we want to expand the cadet programmes in schools, also to offer opportunity to the children who are not in the schools, so that they can be involved in these kinds of programmes. Why? Because it is empirical. It is proven that students, youngsters becoming engaged and [who] are actively engaged and participating in cadet become productive ones,” Charles said on Tuesday, adding that he will be hosting a luncheon in the west of the island to encourage communities and schools to become more involved in cadet programmes.

The state minister was speaking at an event organised for the viewing of the aircraft ‘Beek Air’ at the Caribbean Aviation Training Centre at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston.

The Cessna aircraft was procured through the initiative of long-standing JCCF aviation instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Beek, who made the request of the former British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit to Jamaica in 2015.

The aircraft was donated to the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force last year.

‘Beek Air’ is named in honour of the now deceased JCCF lieutenant colonel, who served as a pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was a retired member of the Jamaica Defence Force where he was instrumental in the development of the force’s Air Wing.

The Cessna aircraft replaces an aeroplane that became inoperable 14 years ago, resulting in the training programme being significantly scaled down.

The minister, who is responsible for the Department of Correctional Services, the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force and other projects within the national security portfolio, said JCCF is one element of the Government’s plan to secure and grow the nation.

“We intend for our cadets to be leaders, to be ambassadors in their schools, to their peers, to their churches, in their communities. We want for them, when they acquire the skills and the values and the principles, that they will acquire, as part of this noble institution, to now go out and encourage other youngsters, to empower them not just through talk or words but through how they demonstrate themselves in their conduct,” Charles Jr said. “They must walk tall, they must be bold, they must be respectful, they must be the one their peers look up to and say ‘Yow dah brother deh is a cadet’.”

The minister, who was quick to point out that the institution is about youth development and youth engagement, said the JCCF is seeking to expand its current complement of 2,500.

“It is about giving our cadet volunteers an opportunity to give back to the youth and… that harmony, we look forward to it creating the kind of Jamaica that we know we deserve, we have here [youths] that [could] become leaders, not only in the JCF and the JDF but in any field whether it is the next media person, the next journalist, the next politician, or the next teacher, they would have done so having acquired the skill set having rubbed shoulders with those who make them understand what it is like to be disciplined; and so that will exhibit itself in any field they choose they will always be distinguished,” Charles continued.

Tajay Bailey and Jordan English, both from the St Andrew Technical High School’s cadet programme, gave credence to Charles Jr’s words about the programme as the two were among 10 students who are currently enrolled in the aviation programme at Caribbean Aviation Training Centre.

Jordan, who was the only female student among the 10, told the Jamaica Observer that she wanted to join the cadet since she was in primary school.

The 16-year-old said she was captivated by the discipline and the uniform.

“Major Ford introduced me to aviation at camp. I had no idea they had aviation. The part that I got interested in is the fact that I get to work with the engine,” Tajay said.

Tajay, who is 18 years old, said the cadet programme gave him the opportunity to travel and socialise.

“It gave us the privilege to attend certain functions that I would not imagine to attend. It gave me the opportunity to be here today, among great persons like Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr,” he said.

In the meantime, JCCF Commandant Colonel Errol Johnson lauded the British Government for their contribution and Lieutenant Colonel Beek for reaching out to them.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner David Fitton, while noting that the ‘Beek Air’ is the only aircraft in the world with the British and Jamaican flags flying together, congratulated the JCCF.