THE EXPEDITIONER
April 2017
Roger Best CASC 2017 Contingent leader - Pg 3 Highlights of 2017 anniversary activities Panel elections and more inside...
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THE EXPEDITIONER
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Richard Goddard’s Contribution Recognised
of hikes and awards presentations over the years. Also of great interest to Mr. Goddard was the state of the Programme today. He asked about the number of schools active locally and of course on the plans for developing both in Barbados and the rest of the region. As he presented a collage of photos of Mr. Goddard’s Award activities over the years, Stephen expressed his gratitude at having been invited to be photographer on a early expedition to Dominica. Some 33 years later that was just the start of an adventure which has brought him to now being the Chairman of the National Award Council.
In November 2016 Richard Goddard was awarded for his many years of dedication to the Award Progamme. He recieved the Barbados Jubilee Honour for his efforts in spreading The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Barbados. Following this great achievement, Americas Regional Director, Maj. David Clarke and Chairman of the National Award Council Stephen Smith, along with office staff, paid a
visit to Mr. Goddard at his home in St. Peter.
New Committee for Panel
as his Deputy and Dawn Medford is the new secretary. Kerron Hamblin, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the National Award Council, will act as Treasurer.
March 8th elections of the Barbados Expedition and Assessment Panel (The Panel) placed Garfield Callender in the post of Chairman. He replaced Kenrick Rogers. Garfield is a longserving member of the Panel and has held the post of Chairman many times before. Garfield is a gold award holder and was the Deputy Contingent leader for Barbados at CASC 2016. Robert Bourne will serve
During the encounter, Mr. Goddard reminisced about the early day of the CASC expeditions and people who were active in the Programme in the 80s and early 90s. He also shared fond memories of meeting both HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex. There was quite a bit of laughter as Mr. Goddard shared tales
In addition to the regular duties around assessing the Adventurous Journey Section, the new Executive has set itself a number of important tasks. On the agenda are a revised constitution and improved standard operating procedures for members.
“Indeed Richard you’ve become legendary in the Award world, particularly across the Caribbean to stalwarts like David, myself, Beverly Cruikshank (Trinidad) ...people who still speak very kindly about you and things that you achieved for the Award. You’ve helped so many people, you should never ever think of what you’ve done as being a small thing,” Smith said.
They plan to add new members to the Panel in response to the growing number of participants.
Chairman – Garfield Callender Dep Chairman – Robert Bourne Sec – Dawn Medford Treasurer – Kerron Hamblin
Floor members – Charles Sealy , Jamar Odwin, Roger Best, Neville Phillips.
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Roger Best—Ready to lead in Guyana
With more than 20 years of Award experience, Roger Best will lead a group of approximately 12 young Barbadians at CASC 2017: Guyana. Roger’s selection as Contingent Leader was a simple decision given his extensive experience.
“...I will always remember someone did the same for me.” Over the last few months, Roger has been busy working with those hopeful of attending the annual camp. For the group preparations began in October last year and will continue up until July. Remarking on what they have done so far Roger said, “The Coast Guard training sensitized participants to the possibility of things not always going according to plan and provided the necessary stimulus to prevail under those conditions.” The training programme is quite varied, it sets out to develop both the practical and soft skills necessary for enjoying the camp but also in other
THE EXPEDITIONER aspects of life.
Guyana expedition of 2017.
For Roger, so far it’s been an interesting experience as he trades knowledge with both the participants and the trainee leaders. When asked just why he applied to be the Contingent Leader Roger said, “Contingent Leader is a role I have never contemplated performing, but in this case I thought it was a role I was capable of performing, given my experience in the Award program and my past expedition experiences.”
But as he gets ready to go to CASC, Roger is leaving very little to chance; he has developed his own additional training programme. Every Sunday morning he hits the water at Pebbles beach for an extensive swim and on Tuesday nights he goes hiking. All this he hopes will get him physically ready to complete the trek through the rainforest up to the majestic Kaiteur Falls.
Roger is definitely excited to take in in all that Guyana has to offer. He has visited many times for work but has never actually been camping there. He does however have some previous jungle experience. In 1995, he represented Barbados at the International Gold Award Training (IGAT) in Indonesia. (This is now known as the International Gold Event (IGE)). “The IGAT in Indonesia was in a jungle setting, with jungle training being a distinct skill set necessary to survive the ordeal” he stated. So, drawing on all the memories of that adventure, Roger will be set to forge ahead on the
Although his beginning with the Award might be too long ago to remember clearly, what’s very clear for Roger is why he’s still involved today. “It seemed at the time to be a good investment of time and energy and I can say it was. As to why I continue with it? It gives me great pleasure and a sense of purpose to be able to give back to my society in the form of working with the young people of the Award family and I will always remember someone did the same for me” Caption—Below Roger at work with the members of the 2017 contingent
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Name: Joakima Rochester
Name : Charlée Gittens
Role : Gold Award Participant
Role: Trainee Leader CASC 2017
That first hike I ever did almost broke me. However, I persevered with the support I received from my fellow Duker Krystal Rogers (whom I met for the very first time on said hike and has remained a pillar of support ever since) and from my former group leader Ms. Nya Greenidge, with their help I overcame many of my inhibitions . Many individuals would assume that Duke is a hobby and I’m sure we all disagree. To be a Duker is not to take up a hobby to pass the time but it is a passion. A passion that can span for generations. This passion has led me to take up challenges faced with odds that many people would try to avoid. Duke has taught me not to avoid these odds and especially never to avoid the challenge because with each challenge and its struggles faced is the opportunity to better myself and learn something.
The Award has presented me with opportunities I very well may never have stumbled across on my own. One of my most favourite activities was learning Archery with the Barbados Archery Association. Sometimes I even fancy myself a modern day, female Robin Hood. I've now walked hundreds of miles through some of the most remot e locales on the island, know how to pinpoint my location, if lost, with just a map and a compass (no Google Maps necessary) and I’ve enjoyed a six hour trek in pouring rain. This Award transcends itself and becomes an asset to the whole person, which for me manifests itself in my ability to work effectively in my academic, professional, charitable and social endeavours, where I am able to put my knowledge to work to achieve at ever higher standards in the continual pursuit of excellence.
Award’s Impact is Life-changing
I see participants transformed from shy almost introverts, to confident youths who are leaders in the school community..over the past five years members of the Award group are selected as leading members of the School’s prefect body. I am happy to report that in this present time the spirit of volunteerism continues to come through . I am proud to say that past members return to help assist the present group with community projects at the school, adventurous training The Duke of Edinburgh International Award has been for Graydon Sealy Secondary a partner in providing lifelong skills and continues to transform the lives of those who take the challenge.
Here are three brief excerpts of accounts of how the Award has affected lives of young Barbadians. The three speakers, Joakima Rochester, Charlée Gittens and Karen Bryan shared with donors at the recently held fundraising golf tournament.
Name: Karen Bryan Role : Group Leader Graydon Sealy Secondary School
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THE EXPEDITIONER
Golf Tournament Raises Money for the Award It was another successful year when the Barbados leg of The Duke of Edinburgh Cup. The tournament is a major fundraiser for the Award in Barbados. The 2017 winner Nik Lashley once volunteered with the Award in Canada. More than bragging rights he will be one the finalist at the final round of competition at Windsor Castle in September. Best of luck to him!!! (cont’d Page 6)
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THE EXPEDITIONER
Golf (Cont’d from Page 5)
Officers Advance Training
The Award is continuing to grow in the ranks of the Barbados Cadet Corps (BCC). Since the Corps signed the sub-licence in 2015, more and more cadets are interested in being a part of the global family. At the start of the year 18 officers received instruction in how to use the Online Record Book (ORB) . Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme (BDFSP) and the Barbados Coast Guard also attended. “It is very important to us that we do get persons like yourselves doing the training, willing to step up and help train the youngsters and guide them through the Award. ...I ask you to please take it seriously, be
committed and don’t train and runaway but stay and stick around because its really important to the Award that you do so and to the youngsters.” This was the impassioned plea of Award Chairman Stephen Smith as he congratulated the newly trained officers. Maj. Alva Holder, promised the officers full support as they movedforward with the Award in their units. He made the point that the Award was another character building tool for young cadets. He acknowledged that the Award would add value not just in the Corps, but also for those in the BDFSP and the wider military. Promising full support to rolling out the Award for cadets he said, “This is only the start, we will ensure that we stay on top of things so that we can give you what you need, all the tools to make sure that the youngsters can get involved and to make sure that they join and they do complete. Everything that they are going to do is going to be of benefit.”
There were 60 players in the tournament. Some of whom have made it a habit to play every year. Chairman of the Barbados trustees Sir. Trevor Carmichael especially thanked Jim Brewer who has been a faithful player for many years. The final results were : 1—Nik Lashley 2—Chris Ballard 3—Valerie Teslia Nearest Pin - Bill Weir - Allison Hoad Longest Drive - Argyle Maynard - Katie Jordan Principal organizer of the event Mr. James Gardiner was quite pleased with the turnout of the players as all had a very enjoyable day on the course. Mr. Gardiner extended thanks to all those who sponsored the event, in particular Royal Westmoreland as they made the course available for the event yet again.
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IGE 2017 Applications Now Open
IGE 2017
Calling all gold award holders!! Are you under the age of 35 and have your gold award? This is the opportunity for you. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados is on the hunt for the best candidate to represent Barbados at the International Gold Event (IGE) 2017 Czech Republic. The IGE is the chance of a lifetime to advance your own career and shape the future of the Award . Working alongside gold award holders from around the world you will learn more about the world that we live in and make fond memories. In addition to team building activities, you'll be asked to consider representing the voice of the youth on the International Council (IC) as an Emerging Leader. Emerging leaders are elected at the IGE and serve for three years on the IC to highlight youth issues at that level.
discuss the challenges they face, and the strategies and solutions used in meeting these challenges How to Apply Registration forms are available from the Award office and the local website from Tuesday 18 April 2017.
This is the first time that hosting the IGE will be shared by two nations. Authorities in Czech Republic and Slovakia have banded together to make it a truly exciting experience. Participants will divide into event teams to make field visits to communities and workplaces from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society – places such as prisons, businesses, schools, hospitals, police stations and production plants. During these onsite visits, participants will meet leaders in their environment to
First Aid Ready Members of the Open Group which meets on Saturdays at The St. Michael School are now better
For further information about the event please visit http:// www.intaward.org/international-gold -event. The deadline for submission is Sunday 30 April 2017. Registration forms and support documents are to be submitted via email to the Award office at deiabarbados@gmail.com with the subject “IGE 2017— Application”
prepared to handle life’s little emergencies. Robert Springer of the St. Johns Ambulance was their First Aid instructor. He kept the youngsters interests by creating unusual scenarios. The Award is currently discussing a partnership St. Johns Ambulance to provide first aid instruction across all the Award groups. First aid training is useful not just for the Adventurous Journey section but really in everyday life .
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THE EXPEDITIONER
Groups Gather for Training Bronze participants from multiple Award units came together at The Lodge School for the National Training Day in March. Throughout the day, group leaders and members of the Panel taught topics related to the Adventurous Journey section. There was a tent pitching contest that really showed some ingenuity from participants. One group opted to assemble the tent upside down then flipped it over. A bit unusual but it worked. After a day of clear skies, the participants truly had a test of perseverance when they got around to cooking dinner. The rain almost got the most of the novice ‘firestarters’ but, a few pointers from the more experienced leaders,
helped them to get strong blazes and hearty meals despite wet conditions. The next day ‘Dukers’ from all levels attended the church service at the St. John Parish Church. Canon Geoffrey Mayers was glad to have them sitting inside rather than camped on the lawn as is usually the case. Addressing the congregation , he highlighted the sacrifice that
volunteers for the Programme. He encouraged them to continue, noting that often persons give more than they get back. To the participants he said, “The word you use is challenge...those who accept it they are promised an increase in self confidence...better leadership, to improve your negotiations and a pool of friends.”