Cadets to take centre stage at 47th Independence Parade 

By Val Matthias. Updated 5:26 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force is set to take centre stage at this year’s 47th Independence Parade, with a special display planned as the institution marks its 90th anniversary.

Superintendent of Police Parnell Brown, who is the Parade Commander, says the Cadets have been asked to present the special display as part of the Independence ceremony, rather than form part of the regular 47th parade formation.

Brown says the decision recognises the Cadet Force’s long association with the national Independence celebrations and the significance of reaching its 90-year milestone.

The Independence Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. on October 27 at the main Arnos Vale playing field.

Brown says rehearsals began about four weeks ago and are progressing well.

He says he has seen the personnel taking part and is confident they are prepared to deliver what he described as one of the country’s best Independence parades.

The Parade Commander says the Cadets’ special appearance is intended to give the institution something memorable to mark its 90th anniversary.

The Cadets will appear alongside the traditional elements of the national parade, including armed and unarmed guards and nurses.

Brown says at least 14 guards will be on parade, although he did not give an overall figure for the number of people expected to participate.

For Brown, the significance of the parade extends beyond the ceremonial display.

He says parades instil discipline, bring out the best in participants and provide an opportunity to showcase where they have come from, where they are and whom they represent.

The Cadet Force’s 90th anniversary therefore adds a historic dimension to this year’s Independence ceremony.

The institution has been part of national life for decades, and its special display will provide an opportunity to recognise that contribution in front of the country during its most important annual national ceremony.

Brown says the Governor General will also be briefed on his role and what he should expect during the parade.This year’s ceremony will also be significant for the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police

Force, with the newly appointed Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey expected to take his first Independence salute.

Brown says he and the Commissioner joined the police organisation in 1990 and described the occasion as another reason he expects this year’s parade to be particularly memorable.

With preparations now well underway, Brown is inviting Vincentians, visitors and people watching online to witness the ceremony.

For the Cadet Force, however, the 47th Independence Parade will carry an added significance: 90 years after its establishment, its members will have a special place in the national ceremony as they celebrate the institution’s contribution to the country.

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]