Make cadet training mandatory

Make cadet training mandatory
Published: Monday September 14, 2009
The Editor, Sir:
The cadet force is a disciplined organisation that takes on both military and community activities. Participation in cadet activities changes the lives of many individuals and it is a deterrent to indiscipline in our schools.
It has been established that some high schools across the country are experiencing problems with students' behaviour. In an effort to instil discipline and positive attitude in our youths, thus enabling them to become focus and responsible citizens, the Government should mandate that every public high school should have a cadet unit. I believe that there should be a partnership between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) where principals of the participating schools provide a designated teacher (male or female) to supervise or be placed in charge of the unit.
Drawback
The JCCF could provide the appropriate training and equipment, whereby the schools provide the space or storage facility for equipment, that is, uniforms, training manuals, etc. In the event there is a lack of space at the schools, then the MOE could provide a container for the purpose. A drawback to the effort is that many teachers might not see the cadet force as an option because service in such an organisation is voluntary. However, there are privileges that are associated with being a member of the JCCF.
With reference to St Thomas, most high schools are in need of active cadet units at those institutions. I strongly believe that if the Government embark on such an effort, then we will see some productive students growing up to become responsible adults.
I am, etc.,
CHARLIE BROWN
charliebrown1004@hotmail.com
St Thomas
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090914/letters/letters6.html

Volunteer offer: 'We'll take back Jamaica' - MIKE BECKLES excellence3@verizon.net

Published: Tuesday December 9, 2008

The Editor, Sir:
An article appeared in the online edition of The Star on December 8, which, I thought, removed all doubts from the minds of any person of sound mind and judgment about who is in charge in Jamaica - the gunmen, terrorists and thugs.
Gone is any semblance of control, at least on the part of the security forces.
The article of which I speak is the police-supervised mass exodus of law-abiding homeowners and other residents of Gravel Heights, St Catherine, after they were ordered to leave because they committed the cardinal sin of being 'informers' (they spoke to the police).
Chilling message
This purported action led to a raid in the community by the security forces and, of course, all the police did was to provide security for the exodus of the people.
The chilling message this sends to the rest of the criminal elements is this is the way to go; pretty soon law-abiding residents of Jamaica will be extinct.
So, I have a proposal for the Government. I am a former cop and am willing to drop everything I have to do and come down there with other like-minded former cops.
We would operate under the law but with no political interference, and no mouthing from human rights
spokespersons. And I assure the people of Jamaica we will take back our country, street by street.
We did it before, we will do it again. We fear no one, no don.
Mr. Prime Minister, the time for talk is over, soon you will be confined to just uptown Kingston as the security forces will not be able to go anywhere in this small country.
We will operate under the law, but want no interference, or management from anyone in the Government or security forces. That's my offer.
I am, etc.
MIKE BECKLES
excellence3@verizon.net
Via Go-Jamaica

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