Governor & Minister Visit RBR Junior Leaders
Governor Rena Lalgie and the Minister of National Security Michael Weeks visited Warwick Camp to spend some time with the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Junior Leaders.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Royal Bermuda Regiment Junior Leaders [JLs] is the Regiment’s Youth Programme. And young people aged 13 – 17 have been participating in their annual summer camp since 3 July.
“They have been involved in hands on training including foundational military training in field craft, first-aid, personal foot drill and other areas. The Junior Leaders programme mirrors the school year, and participants attend on Friday nights and participate in a weekend training camp once a month, culminating with an annual summer camp in Bermuda or overseas. The programme is currently 38 strong.”
Governor Rena Lalgie said, “I was pleased to visit the RBR Junior Leaders annual summer camp and I especially enjoyed observing the camaraderie and teamwork on display as the Junior Leaders underwent various command tasks. In joining this programme, these young men and women have made an investment in their own future and a commitment to better themselves. It is evident that the activities and training has instilled a sense of pride and commitment into these young persons.”
Minister Weeks who said he was very impressed with the “poise and attentiveness” of the young people, saying: “As I’ve shared before, the youth are our future and we are merely custodians until they are ready to take the helm. And therefore I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Junior Leaders.
“I have no doubt that the skills that these youngsters are learning through this commendable programme, along with the self-discipline that is being ingrained in them, will go a long way in helping them to develop into responsible and successful adults.”
Captain Gordon Emmerson, the Commandant of the programme and a former educator who now works in hospitality, said, “The ultimate aim is for the kids to have fun. That is not to say it isn’t hard work. Days have been starting at 6 a.m. for physical training. The JLs have had to keep their barracks tidy, maintain their uniforms and present themselves for inspection every morning, a far cry from a teenager’s normal routine.”
“I have been impressed by the quality of the effort the JLs have extended towards their lessons and activities. The field craft training, in particular, has seen the kids grow in confidence to operate in an outdoor environment with few resources. I hope that more parents will take advantage of this programme which is free to join and which strives to challenge participants to grow into the best versions of themselves and to answer the question, what does excellence look like in you? ”
Anyone interested in joining the JLs, can contact the Regiment at 238-1045 and speak to the Chief Clerk.
