Police Junior Drum Corps begins Independence preparations

Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 29, 2013 (SKNIS): Members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force Junior Drum Corps are sharpening their drumming and drill skills, as they prepare for the 30th anniversary of Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Band Leader Sylvester Huggins, told SKNIS that the group was looking forward to the upcoming anniversary celebrations.

“They are having drill displays … down on the bay front and [we] are supposed to be going to [perform] at the Independence Ceremonial Parade for the 30th anniversary so we are doing our part and practicing for it,” he stated.

The official age group of the Junior Drum Corps is 9 to 16 years but persons outside the age group have been accepted.

Several of the members explained why they joined the organization.

“The Drum Corps is my activity because I don’t have anything else,” said a 19 year old female. “I was home so I decided to come here to bond with the [other] kids and it’s fun.”

A young male shared similar sentiments.

“The Police Junior Drum Corps occupies [my time] so I can’t get myself in trouble,” he said. “It’s a good activity, as it helps me to learn more about drumming and it [teaches] discipline.”

Another teen explained that the instructions she receives as a member of the organization has helped foster a better relationship with her parents and has resulted in improved grades at school.

The Junior Drum Corps was restarted about three years ago after a long hiatus dating back to the early 1990s. It is a part of the community policing initiative.