Canadians are an example for peace and stability

By Brent Fox

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com



Canadians – military and civilian -- have so much to offer as examples in bringing peace and development to Africa and elsewhere.

Air Force Lt. Emmanuel Jing of Cameroon is a graduate of the latest Military Training Assistance Programme (MTAP) Junior Command and Staff Course serial at Camp Aldershot, and he is impressed with Canada and Canadians.

The 28 graduates – officers from lieutenant to major from 22 countries around the globe – received their certificates at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon, May 30.

Jing told The Advertiser of his experience during the course, “it was wonderful.” And Canadians – in the military as well as in schools, on the street and in the malls -- are nice people.

“The Canadian people are an example,” the enthusiastic Jing noted. “We need Canada to do more to help… The people of the world trust Canadians. Canadians play a big role in providing development.”

He said that Canadians can help bring development and stopping fighting taking place in Africa.

Graduate Capt. Yssouf Traore of Mali said that “it was a challenge” and very interesting working with the fellow students. “I have improved my English, as well.”

First Lt. Andrej Preloznik of Slovenia said he enjoyed the experience of working with officers from places such as Asia, Africa and South America. “It’s a great opportunity to see how people think, and live and to share experiences with them.”

Visiting instructors

Maj. Manoj Thapa of Nepal was one of three visiting staff members with the course. Maj. Michael Buhari of Nigeria and Capt. Veroljub Vuckovic were the others.

Thapa said that ‘this is a very useful course for military professionals.” And nowadays, the world is so close and learning to work with others is very useful.

Having been an MTAP student at Aldershot, Thapa acknowledged that he has come to think of Canada as a second home.

Course Commander Lt. Col. Burt MacLean told the graduates that the course has been challenging and rewarding for the participants. And it has been an honour for him – the most rewarding in his 42 years in the military – to have commanded the serial.

“It’s exciting to see how much you learned from each other,” MacLean said. With cooperation, the mutual respect increased. “And as the course ends doesn’t mean you don’t stop helping each other.”

He noted that “looking at the global perspective has been the real value for you… It’s not that big a world.”

MTAP director Andrew Rasiulis and former course commander Lt. Col. Rod MacKay were on hand at the graduation. As well, the graduate received a personal letter from Foreign Minister Peter MacKay, who could not attend due to prior commitments.

Besides the curriculum work and local attractions, the course participants got to tour parts of the Maritimes, meeting with Lt. Gov. Mayann Francis, and visiting CFB Gagetown, 14 Wing Greenwood and CFB Halifax.

MTAP helps meet Foreign Affairs and Defense objectives.