Major Kayode Sutton, Acting Commander of the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) conveyed the gratitude expressed by Dr. Hon Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and his personal gratitude to the men and women of the Reserve and Band Corps for their continued commitment and dedication to service. The Commander emphasized that the roles that the respective units play totally aligns with the government’s sustainable development goals through ensuring safety and security of all citizens and residents.
Most specifically the Band corps plays critical complimentary role in the Commander’s vision for the Force that centers on the theme; Professionalization, Modernization and Growth.
The Band’s expanded role will overlap in community engagement and social development. This role will center more on the engagement and recruitment of the most vulnerable young minds in our societies to join the SKNDF Band Corps where they get golden opportunity to learn all about music.
The Commander’s plans were outlined during the first meeting with the Units in 2025 held on January 22, 2025, at the Defence Force Base, Camp Springfield.
Major Sutton, supported by the Staff Officer for Operations and Training, Captain Jervin Lapsley, the Force Sergeant Major, WO1 Saint Claire Williams, Reserve Corps Officer Commanding, Lt. Regiwell Francis and the Director of Music Captain Sylvester Charles and other officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers of the Force.
The Commander added that there will be equal opportunities, particularly for training as the SKNDF strives to professionalize the force through relevant skill set training and development complimented with new technologies including introduction of artificial intelligence aided technologies to help transform and standardize the forces operational competencies.
The meeting was extremely fruitful through dialogue between the Commander and members of the force present and the feedbacks provided were frank and result oriented to propel the SKNDF in the right direction towards realization of the Commander’s vision to become a formidable military force fit for purpose in a twenty first century national security framework.
The rank and file were encouraged to continue serving with excellence, determination and dedication as the SKNDF fulfils its mandate to the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
Basseterre, St Kitts, January 24, 2025 (SKNDF)
