Grenada Cadet Corps

The Grenada Cadet Corps is a voluntary youth organization open to students between the ages of 11 and 20 in Grenada. Though operating independently, it falls under the authority of the Royal Grenada Police Force and the Ministry of National Security. It is sponsored by the government of Grenada.
Its main objective is to provide training and personal development to youth through both military-style training and discipline and community activities. The training is geared towards inspiring young men and women to become model citizens. Emphasis during training is placed on discipline, loyalty, leadership and good citizenry. This is often acquired though a completed training course of being an active member in the Corps.

History

The Grenada Cadet Corps has its roots in the British colonial period as a school youth organisation. The corps was inspected by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1966 visit to Grenada. The Cadet Corps disappeared in the mid-1980s, in the aftermath of the United States invasion of Grenada.
In 2004, the police force established a police cadet corps, which became the nucleus of the Grenada Cadet Corps when it was fully reintroduced in 2009. The corps was subsequently statutorised by Parliament with the enactment of the Grenada Cadet Corps Act in 2012.

Structure

The Grenada Cadet Corps falls under the authority of the Ministry of National Security and is headed by a Commandant appointed by the Governor-General of Grenada.
The Grenada Cadet Corps Advisory Council, which consists of the Commissioner of Police, the Commandant and representatives of government ministries is tasked with advising the Commandant and Minister for National Security on the general governance of the Cadet Corps. It also advises the Governor-General on the issuing and withdrawal of officers commissions in the corps.