From left: Senator Dwight Nelson, minister of national security, Colonel Lemuel Lindo, chairman of JCCF Officers' Mess Committee, Lieutenant Colonel Trevor McCurdy, Lieutenant Colonel Woodburn Fuller and Major General Stewart Saunders, chief of defence staff, Jamaica Defence Force, enjoy friendly banter. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) celebrated members who had offered service to the organisation at a cocktail reception and dinner on June 20.

The 65-year-old institution aims to instill leadership skills and character development, as well as providing challenges to youth through the cadet forces in schools.

The event, which was put on by the JCCF Officers' Mess Committee, was held at the Jamaica Officers' Club, Up Park Camp, St Andrew.

"Many who you have reached have exploded into shining examples to be emulated,"said Senator Dwight Nelson, minister of national security, in his address to a room of mostly cadet officers.

resuscitate uniformed groups

Nelson, who admitted to being a cadet himself as a young man, said as part of his new duties he wanted to resuscitate uniformed groups like the cadets, brownies and boy scouts in schools. He said he has begun talks with the Inter-American Development Bank and other private groups to help with the initiative.

He pointed out that organisations such as the JCCF were essential to providing alternatives to Jamaica's youth.

Special guest, retired Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hutchinson, was honoured for his 40-year contribution to the cadet force. He served in various leadership capacities at the Alpha, Trench Town and Calabar units, among others.

Hutchinson encouraged the leaders who would carry on the tradition to "give service above self". Additionally, he encouraged them to "not only give orders but motivate and inspire".

certificates of appreciation

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to three persons. Maxine Henry-Wilson received one for her consistent support of the youth and the force; Merrick Needham was given one for providing protocol services, free of charge.

In his absence, Major Richard Reese was awarded the certificate for assisting the force with transportation when necessary.

Guests included Major General Stewart Saunders, chief of defence staff, Jamaica Defence Force; Colonel Lemuel Lindo, commandant JCCF, and chairman, Jamaica Combined Cadet Force Mess Committee; Major Marlon Case; Captain Marlon Levy; Captain Ricardo Williams; Ann Amiel; Reverend Canon Jervais Clarke; Dr Keith Amiel; Yolande Rowe-Fender; Major Simoan Foster; Lieutenant Tracey-Ann Russell; Lieutenant Tenesha Simpson; Lieutenant Colonel C'Loyd Walker; Lieutenant Thesseca Grant and Captain Shirlette Thomas.

A section of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) band, which provided the musical selections at the JCCF Officers' Mess Committee's Excellence in Service on June 20.

From left: Lieutenant Colonel C'Loyd Walker laughs with Lieutenant Thesseca Grant and Captain Shirlette Thomas.

From left: Ann Amiel, Reverend Canon Jervais Clarke, Dr Keith Amiel, Yolande Rowe-Fender and Major Simoan Foster pose for Outlook.

Lieutenant Tracey-Ann Russell (left) and Lieutenant Tenesha Simpson catch up on the latest happenings.

Merrick Needham (left) leans in to say a word to Major General Stewart Saunders (right), while Colonel Lemuel Lindo looks on.

Colonel Lemuel Lindo (left), commandant JCCF and chairman, JCCF Officers' Mess Committee, has the ear of Major General Stewart Saunders.