His Excellency the Governor General - Sir James Carlisle
Members of the Clergy
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Maudlyn Richards
Commander of the ABDF - Colonel Trevor Thomas
Commissioner of Police Ms. Delano Christopher
Deputy Commander - Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft
Unit Commanders
Officers, Warrant Officers
Senior Non Commissioned Officers
Other enlisted ranks
Civilian Staff of the ABDF
Distinguished Members of the Private Sector
Parents and Guardians
Other Specially invited guests
And you the graduating recruits of the ABDF

The strengthening of a nation's security forces in the 21st Century, especially in the context of small island states, is a sound investment toward stability and the cultivation of an environment conducive to soci-economic progress.

Antigua and Barbuda will do its part in the regional effort to prepare and effectively meet the security challenges that plagues our sub region.

This current era of regional integration and the advent of the CSME present numerous challenges to government, security organizations, businesses, families and cultures among others. However, it also affords unprecedented opportunities for the region's further development and cohesion; and is critical for Caribbean nations to successfully compete in the global market place.

The geographical nature and location of our islands, our traditional political, social and economic associations and preferences, dependence upon tourism and foreign investment, coupled with limited security capabilities; have contributed to this region's vulnerability and attraction for exploitation by drug traffickers, gun runners, money laundering, acts of terrorism and violent criminal elements.

These threats if left unchecked will potentially infect and degrade families and our key institutions, and society with a consequence toward disorder and the destruction of our communities as we know it.

It will suffice to state that although the ABDF does not constitute the comprehensive answer to all of Antigua and Barbuda's security challenges; it undoubtedly performs an integral and vital role to the nation's security requirements both on land and our territorial seas. The force has never failed in times of crisis, be it security or disaster related, whether internally or regionally, the ABDF has always risen and exceeded every given task.

I am especially pleased of the ABDF's contribution to our nation's youth via the National Cadet Corps within our secondary schools. The young people benefit tremendously from the physical training and learning basic military skills and discipline.

The ABDF provides the corps with academic and technical guidance, imparts leadership skills, encouraging team work toward problem solving, involvement in adventure training, career guidance, lessons in morality and ethics, while promoting national service and patriotism. Our young people are this nation's future, they must be physically and mentally prepared for it, in addition to possessing the right values to govern and make sound decisions.

It was with these principals in mind that I announced in January that the ABDF will play a major role in the functioning of the National Task Force for Youth Development.

As an integral part of the operations of the Task Force, the ABDF will be called upon to extend its capabilities towards equipping and enabling our young people with requisite skills and inculcate values associated with leadership and interpersonal interaction; thereby molding our young people to contribute meaningfully in the development of Antigua and Barbuda.

This brings me full-circle as to why you soldiers are paraded here today. As your Chief Servant and Minister of Defence and on behalf of all assembled here, I extend sincere congratulations, support, and good will on the path you have chosen this day. This path is not one of selfish glory and riches; but instead that of national service, discipline and self sacrifice.

Today you have become one of the guardians of this nation, you have become a professional soldier - a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The regional hosting of its largest sporting event in Cricket World Cup 2007 is almost upon us.

The ABDF has an essential role in the security of the nation during the conduct of these matches. ABDF in conjunction with other security partners must ensure that Antigua and Barbuda maintains a secure environment for the players, officials, visitors and our citizens during Cricket World Cup.

This will facilitate the anticipated economic benefits to be realized from the hosting of the games. It need not be mentioned the negative consequences that could potentially befall the region from a single incident at any of the host venues, or even worse, from an ill advised or disorganized response to an incident.

I am well aware of ABDF's training, coordination and other aspects of preparation that has long since begun; and my government remains committed in providing the security forces with the necessities in personnel, training and equipment to achieve the given task.

The Commander has informed me that these recruits will provide much needed replacements for personnel who have recently left the force after the completion of their service. Hence, you will be posted and will serve in one of the units of the ABDF; be it to - the 1st Battalion Antigua and Barbuda Regiment; the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard; the Service and Support Battalion; or the Force Headquarters.

I again wish to congratulate you and bid you success and job satisfaction in this most noble career you have embarked on. The road will not always be easy; there will be numerous distractions and detractors.

However, I am encouraged by a sign placed at the entrance of this training facility that generally states "Where others fail we stand tall." I am of the persuasion that this is true of all units within the ABDF.

Let me finally take this opportunity on behalf of my government, to congratulate the Commander, his Officers, the Force's Training Team, the enlisted men and women of the ABDF, and the supporting civilian staff for a job well done in the conduct of this training and the graduation of these recruits.

I am cognizant that preparations are underway for the intake of a second batch of recruits to attain a significant increase in the number of men and women whoa re prepared to give service to their country.

I wish you all God's blessings and success in your future endeavors.

May God bless our Nation and its people.
Thank You.

Digital photos by Maurice F. Merchant