On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Dominica Cadet Corps (DCC), one of the oldest youth organizations on the island of Dominica, hosted its Official Officers Dinner and Presentations Ceremony at the Fort Young Hotel.Moreover, this event marked the 115th anniversary of the DCC and serves to reinforce its commitment to fostering discipline, leadership, civic duty, and camaraderie among Dominica’s youth. Several key persons were in attendance, namely Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton; Chief of Police, Davidson Valerie; Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, Honourable Greta Roberts; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, Letitia Lestrade-Wyke, who also served as Chairperson of the night’s festivities.While delivering the welcoming remarks, Lieutenant Nazarine Gordon highlighted that during the presentation ceremony, 19 officers would be commissioned, 7 would be promoted, and all acting ranks would be conferred. Additionally, three officers were to be bestowed the prestigious Caribbean Cadet Medal for their outstanding service.Honourable Greta Roberts was invited to the stage to formally induct the individuals who will be serving on the DCC Central Committee for the period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025:
- Inspector Murphy Jno Jules will serve as the inspector and police representative of the Central Committee and is also appointed the Chairperson of the committee.
- Nadia Ferrol will serve as the Chief Education Officer representative.
- Nerita Hyacinth will serve as the Chief Youth Officer representative.
- Juliette Theophile will serve as the State Attorney and Attorney General.
- Lyn Registe and Debra Joseph will serve as the secondary school representatives.
- Dr. Lynora Fevrier-Drigo will serve as the Medical representative.
- Phillip Rolle will serve as the Youth Entrepreneurship representative.
- Bert Paul will serve as the 4-H representative.
Subsequently, many notable DCC officers were officially promoted to new ranks and titles. Among those commissioned and confirmed were:
- Carvel Charles, Emmanuel Alexander, Esmerelda Cuffy, Kina Prevost, Leroy Sorhaindo Charles, Joanna Grell, Harolda Julien, and Aaliyah Alexander, who were all promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
- Nazarine Gordon, Edphil Benjamin, Kiary Prosper, Osbert Hector, and Delton Drigo were all promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
- Regiment Sergeant Major Sherwin Mitchell and Lieutenant Tyron Sandy were both promoted to the rank of Captain.
- Captain Eddison Henry was promoted to the rank of Major.
Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton then took the stage to present Major Fitzroy Leon with his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Leon was also re-appointed as the Adjutant of the DCC for next two years. Likewise, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Raymond was promoted to the rank of Colonel and re-appointed as Commandant of DCC for next two years.The Caribbean Cadet Medal, awarded by the Association of Caribbean Cadet Commandants, was then bestowed on Lieutenant Kiary Prosper, Francis Richards, and Colonel David Andrew (retired). These three officers were praised for their continued and unwavering commitment to the DCC’s mission and were recognized for their “exceptional leadership, dedication, and outstanding service. ” Colonel Joseph Raymond then took to the podium to reaffirm the DCC’s goal to provide cadets with valuable leadership opportunities and essential life skills. He emphasized the importance of upholding the highest moral values both in and out of uniform.When speaking on the future of the organization, Raymond also noted plans to develop various initiatives such as the reintroduction of specialized cadet units, including the medical unit, sea cadets, fire and rescue units, and technical engineering corps. Also, the DCC is set to host the Association of Caribbean Cadet Conference and the Caribbean Cadet Camp in 2025. These initiatives will provide a platform to bolster continued collaboration among youth groups across the region.The event concluded with the customary toast, where the support and efforts of significant persons in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development were recognized.