Members of the Barbados Cadet Corps will be engaging in a series of activities with seniors of the Geriatric Hospital.

They will be doing so as part of the Corps’ 2018 Community Project. This was launched on Monday at the Hospital’s Beckles Road, St. Michael location.

Commandant of the Barbados Cadet Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Errol Brathwaite said the Project’s theme is “Preparing Today for a Successful Tomorrow, Youth to Seniors”. He stated it “is a critical part of the Cadet Corps’ focused engagement activities with the community. It provides an ideal opportunity to achieve the organisation’s aim in “Building Strength of Character Among Our Youth” while participating in targeted, wholesome activities.”

The Project will involve the “over 600 cadets” who during their summer break have been involved in training during the Corps’ two camps. Brathwaite said that as cadets participate in the Project, “it is anticipated that they will develop a greater appreciation for the elderly and a better understanding of the requirements for caregiving.”

He added, “our young boys and girls must be constantly reminded of the hard work and commitment which our senior citizens put into building our nation.”

During Monday’s proceedings presentations were made to two residents of the home. The tokens of appreciation were given to Carlisle Clinton who is 104 years old and to 100- year-old Marielot Coppin. Clinton also joined the Commandant, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde and staff of the Soil Conservation Unit in a tree planting ceremony.

In her remarks, the People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Minister commended the Corps on the Project which will see “the youth embrace the aged and the aged embrace the youth.” She noted that “it is important that these generational links be developed with you the seniors and with these young people to be able to carry on the important history, all the morals, the values and so on of our society that has brought us thus far.” (MG)