The Dominica Cadet Corps (DCC), one of the island’s oldest youth institutions, celebrated its 115th anniversary with an Official Officers Dinner and Presentations Ceremony held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Fort Young Hotel. The event highlighted the organization’s enduring legacy and its continued commitment to discipline, leadership, and youth empowerment.
The night brought together national leaders and distinguished guests, including Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton, Chief of Police Davidson Valerie, Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development Hon. Greta Roberts, and Permanent Secretary Letitia Lestrade-Wyke, who also chaired the event.
In her welcome address, Lieutenant Nazarine Gordon announced that 19 officers were being commissioned, seven were receiving promotions, and all acting ranks would be confirmed. Three officers were also honored with the Caribbean Cadet Medal for exemplary service.
Minister Greta Roberts formally inducted the 2025 Central Committee members, who will guide the Corps through the year. These include Inspector Murphy Jno Jules as committee chair and police representative, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Education, Youth, Legal Affairs, Entrepreneurship, Health, and the 4-H movement.
The promotion segment recognized several officers for their advancement within the ranks:
- Promoted to Second Lieutenant: Carvel Charles, Emmanuel Alexander, Esmerelda Cuffy, Kina Prevost, Leroy Sorhaindo Charles, Joanna Grell, Harolda Julien, and Aaliyah Alexander.
- Promoted to Lieutenant: Nazarine Gordon, Edphil Benjamin, Kiary Prosper, Osbert Hector, and Delton Drigo.
- Promoted to Captain: Sherwin Mitchell and Tyron Sandy.
- Promoted to Major: Captain Eddison Henry.
President Sylvanie Burton presented Major Fitzroy Leon with his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and reappointed him as Adjutant of the DCC. Colonel Joseph Raymond, reappointed as Commandant for another term, was also elevated to the rank of Colonel.
Three Caribbean Cadet Medals were awarded by the Association of Caribbean Cadet Commandants to Lieutenant Kiary Prosper, Francis Richards, and retired Colonel David Andrew. The medals recognized their outstanding dedication and service to the mission of the DCC.
In his address, Colonel Raymond reaffirmed the Corps’ focus on moral values and leadership development, and unveiled plans to reintroduce specialized cadet units, including medical, fire and rescue, sea cadets, and technical engineering divisions. The DCC is also set to host the Association of Caribbean Cadet Conference and the Caribbean Cadet Camp later this year, with the aim of fostering greater regional collaboration among youth service organizations.
The evening concluded with the traditional ceremonial toast, acknowledging the contributions of individuals and institutions that continue to support the Cadet Corps’ mission of shaping the nation’s future leaders.
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