Teen Cadet Wins Top Honours at Independence Drill
BASSETERRE — A 16-year-old member of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Cadet Corps claimed the top individual award at the Independence 43 Drill Competition, edging out two-time winner Woman Police Constable Danecia Henry in a drill-off.
Cadet Snaika Desamour, competing for the first time, also took the title of Best Female in Drills at the competition, held Friday on Bay Road. The event brought together some of the Federation’s uniformed services for a display of precision, discipline and teamwork.
According to the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS), participants represented the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the Defence Force Cadet Corps, the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, and the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services.
After the initial scores were tallied, Desamour was tied with Henry, who won the competition in both 2024 and 2025. That forced a drill-off between the veteran police officer and the first-time cadet.
Desamour admitted she was nervous about facing the two-time champion, but said she trusted her training, focused on the commands and drew confidence from the support of her fellow cadets and the crowd. Her performance secured the top spot. She told SKNIS she was proud of the achievement, declaring, “God is good.”
Henry finished as runner-up and congratulated the young cadet. She said she was honoured to have reached the drill-off and remained proud of her own performance. Henry also praised the overall improvement in drill skills displayed this year, noting that many participants were competing for the first time.
Among those first-time competitors was 19-year-old Police Constable Khalel Clarke, who was named Best Male in Drills and finished third overall. SKNIS said the young officer entered the competition after a strong showing as part of the number four guard during the recent Independence 43 Ceremonial Parade.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force once again dominated the overall competition, but this year’s individual title belonged to one of the event’s youngest and newest competitors.
