The Barbados Cadet Corps (BCC) is a vibrant school-based organisation, which helps to empower young people with the social skills they need to enable them to make a valuable contribution to society.

It is one of the island’s oldest youth organisations and its members take part in military, school and community activities. Its major objective is to help mould cadets into model and responsible citizens through the use of military discipline.

Military training is the nucleus of the Cadet programme, but under a new development plan, cadets will be exposed to increased social activities, community projects and healthy lifestyle programmes, among others, in order to help them build self-esteem, develop a level of social responsibility, discipline and respect.

Although the BCC is the youth arm of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), the cadets are not liable to take part in combat operations. They mainly participate in national ceremonial parades and community work, and provide assistance at functions and conferences hosted by the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations. (NGOs). The Cadet Corps was seen then, as it is now, as an organisation which nurtures the qualities of good citizenship in young people.

The companies that were established at the island’s three top schools - Harrison College, The Lodge School and Combermere, gave birth to the Cadet Corps in 1904. Links were later forged with the Barbados Volunteer Force (BVF). Some members of staff, who were themselves commissioned officers in the BVF, were instrumental in setting up the companies.

Initially, females were excluded from the Cadet Corps because Harrison, Lodge and Combermere were all-boys institutions. However, with the gradual move towards co-education in most schools and the entrance of women into fields that had been traditionally dominated by men, the Cadet Corps opened its doors to females in 1974.

Another significant development which helped to alter its make-up came about in 1978, when Ellerslie Secondary, one of the newer schools, proudly launched a Cadet unit. Others followed suit, and today, there are 22 units within the school system.

Although the BDF has overall responsibility for the administration of the Cadet Corps, a Cadet Headquarters was established in 1986 in order to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Corps.

10c THE COLOURS OF THE CADET CORPS - BANNER

The Cadet Banner features the Corps’ Crest worn on the headdress of the Cadet Corps’ members.

The Crest, which is blue and gold, is set on a blue background. Over the years the Cadet Crest has been in the form of the Star of David. The centre design of the Crest has been altered each time there has been a change within the structure of the military in Barbados. For instance, in the days of the Barbados Regiment, the Crest showed the Queen with the Trident in hand. The current Crest shows the hand holding two pieces of sugar cane which is part of the Coat of Arms of Barbados.

This Banner was established within the early 1980’s after the establishment of the Barbados Defence Force.

25c THE REGULAR BAND MARCHING

The Cadet Band is one of the major outfits of the Cadet Corps. It is a useful vehicle for talented school boys and girls to hone their musical skills. The band is a symbol of pride and has captivated audiences over the years with its scintillating performances. The Drum Corps/ Bands of the various schools have groomed many good musicians who are earning a living from their chosen trade.

50c THE TOY SOLDIER BAND

This band is known as the Toy Soldier Band because of the uniform that is worn. This uniform is worn by the regular marching band at ceremonial parades and special occasions. It was first introduced in 1987 when the cadets performed a drill display as Toy Soldiers, during celebrations to mark Barbados’ 21st Anniversary of Independence. In 1995 when the Cadet Band was expanded to include members from a number of schools, the tunic of the Toy Soldier uniform was adopted by the band.

$1 THE SEA CADETS

The Sea Cadet Programme of the Barbados Cadet Corps came on stream in January 1993. Through this initiative, small groups of cadets have been receiving seamanship training by the Coast Guard. It is seen as having vast potential for creating job opportunities, especially in the Coast Guard, water sports and fisheries areas. Like the other training programmes, the Sea Cadet provides a platform for teaching students the skills they need to function in society.

$3 MAP READING

Map and compass reading is one of the many training activities used to enhance the skills of cadets. They are taught how to read and use a map properly, as well as, basic orienteering skills.

Technical Details

BARBADOS - Centenary of Barbados Cadet Corps

Release Date:	July 19, 2004
Designer:	Julian Vasarhelyi
Printer:	BDT International Security Printing Ltd.
Process:	Lithography
Stamp Size:	28.45 x 42.58mm
Perforation:	14 per 2cm
Sheet Format:	50 (2 x 25)
Watermark:	CA Spiral
Value & Designs -	10c - Colours of the Cadet Corps-Banner 25c -The Regular Band Marching 50c - Toy Soldier Band $1 - Sea Cadets on Board $3 - Map Reading
FDC: $5.45