National Inter- School Brigade Award Ceremony

After ten years of successful existence the National Inter School Brigade (NIB) deemed it necessary to formally highlight and extend gratitude to the companies/ agencies that over the years with their assistance led to Brigade's growing success. On Sunday November 21, 2010 at the Jamaica Police Academy (JPA) an award ceremony was hosted by the NIB to highlight the sponsoring agencies and the cadets that were excelling and demonstrating the positive attitudes that the programme was established to evoke from enrolled children. Prior to the ceremony the cadets engaged in the rigorous drills that they were taught, they saluted their officials and were inspected, upon the approval of their physical appearance by the Parade Instructor they filed into the Ceremony Hall. 

ACP Les Green greeted the audience and addressed the Cadets saying it doesn't matter what challenges you face today because in the future things could be much different just be resolute and make the right choices. Mrs. Mary McDonald Nichols representative of the MInistry of Education expressed that 99.9% of the standards set by the NIB is where it needs to be. She said by God they would lead the change.  

The day consisted of several persons giving speeches as to their beliefs on the effectiveness of the NIB program, these persons were inclusive of Principals, Ministry members, political officials and even the cadets themselves. Mrs. Dorothy Taylor principal of Marverley Primary and Junior High School voiced that she had seen where students have matured and become role models. She stated that there were many extra curricula activities but none have outdone the NIB programme. Courage she highlighted is need as a young person to survive in Jamaica, she urged them "Now is the time to go out lead on in dignity."

Superintendent James Forbes in charge of the Community Safety and Security Branch of the JCF delivered a motivational speech to the cadets emphasizing that being cadets had now placed them in the role of leaders and being effective leaders required that they set examples and stand apart from their colleagues. His address was  followed by that of Kevin Marsh the man in charge of the instigation and establishment of the programme. Mr. Marsh's admission was that the NIB's creation was not mere coincidence, and its sustenance is the work of the Almighty. He boasted that this model due to its success was implemented across Alberta Canada, which proves that it has not been only successful to Jamaican children  but has broken barriers and is now affecting the world.

Mrs. Lisa Hanna(M.P) Opposition Spokes person on Youth proclaimed that if she had to put forward something in Jamaica as its greatest creation that is making transformational  the NIB would be it. She expressed that her belief is that the NIB programme should be in every high school in Jamaica, "You are who we are depending on for the survival of out country."

Finally the Cadets were inducted and awarded for their performances. Agencies were highlighted for their contributions such as: Food for the Poor, Canadian High Commission, Munimar Supermarket, United Nation Development Program (UNDP), Supreme Ventures Limited, National Youth Service.