By S.Browne. Updated 3:57 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, St. Clair Leacock, has indicated that Cadet Officers could, in the future, be granted powers of arrest as part of broader reforms to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force.
Speaking at the opening of a Protocol and Etiquette training forum, Minister Leacock, who previously served as a Cadet Officer, said there is a possibility of reforming the service and amending the Cadet Force Act. Such changes, he noted, could allow Cadet Officers to become part of a service with powers of arrest, contributing to crime reduction in society.
Also addressing the gathering was retired Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Lewis, who highlighted the importance of Protocol and Etiquette. He noted that the initiative reinforces the enduring commitment of the Cadet Force, adding that training tailored for Cadet Officers will improve professionalism, boost morale, and provide life skills that can be applied both locally and internationally.
Director of Foreign Policy and Research in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Charmane Tappin-John, also spoke on the relevance of the initiative.
She emphasised that respect is the foundation of Protocol and Etiquette, noting that the training provides guidelines for engagement and the conduct of operations, enabling appropriate interactions with dignitaries, government officials, and the general public.
The workshop formed part of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force’s 90th anniversary celebrations. Held under the theme “90 Years of Discipline, Patriotism, Honour: Celebrating Our Past, Strengthening Our Present and Shaping Our Future,” the event took place from March 25 to 26, 2026, at the NIS Conference Room.
Approximately 45 participants were involved, including officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the SVG Cadet Force, members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and the SVG Coast Guard Service, government officials from various ministries, and representatives of service clubs and other organisations.
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This information was sourced from a press release sent to us by the Agency for Public Information.
