Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — Amongst the crowd of proud parents and other family members sitting at the passing out ceremony for the Basic Military Course 16 of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force was Veronica Martin – the mother of the most successful recruit.
On Thursday (April 23) Ms. Martin stood in and accepted awards on behalf of her daughter Private Zenra Ferdinand who was not present due to her selection to attend the Officers Candidate School in Guyana. Private Ferdinand was selected as the best recruit and was recognized for outstanding performance in the following areas; Best in Field Craft, Best in First Aid, Best in Rifle Shot, Best in Military Knowledge and the Best Overall Student. Of special note is the fact, Private Ferdinand achieved all this while overcoming a training injury.
Her performance during the course 16 and her previous academic success in high school and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College contributed to her selection to attend the Officer Candidate School. Upon Graduation Private Ferdinand will be commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.
“I am extremely proud of my daughter’s performance and very thankful for her getting this opportunity” Ms Martin said. “Zenra has become more mature, hard working and responsible in her time with the Defence Force” said Ms. Martin speaking to her daughter’s accomplishment and her appointment to Officers Candidate School (OCS).
Prime Minister, Dr the Hon. Timothy Harris, in speaking with Ms. Martin conveyed congratulations to Private Ferdinand on her accomplishments and said that the nation is grateful for her sacrifice.