In the annals of Caribbean military tradition and youth development, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Major Patrick Skeete (Ret.) of the Barbados Cadet Corps. As we gather to pay homage to a life dedicated to the service of country and region, we celebrate his enduring legacy which has undeniably shaped the youth of Barbados and inspired those beyond its shores.
Major Skeete’s journey with the Combermere High School unit of the Barbados Cadet Corps was marked by a steadfast commitment under the exemplary leadership of then Lieutenant Deighton Maynard. Lieutenant Maynard, who would later ascend to Brigadier and command the Barbados Defence Force, was instrumental in fostering an atmosphere where young cadets could thrive. It was within this inspiring environment that Major Skeete honed his leadership skills and dedication to service.
A highlight of Skeete’s illustrious career was the 1974 Barbados Cadet Corps visit to Dominica’s Camp Londonderry. This pivotal event, magnificently coordinated by Lt Maynard and hosted by Dominica Cadet Corps commandant Major Earle Johnson, exemplified Caribbean unity in youth leadership training. At Londonderry, youth from the then-British territories of the Eastern Caribbean were not only drilled in military discipline but also immersed in vocational education, learning crucial trades such as agriculture, masonry, carpentry, electrical engineering, plumbing, and automobile repair. These skills equipped them for future success and embodied the spirit of regional collaboration.
The cadet bands of Barbados and Dominica merged melodiously, captivating audiences as they paraded through the villages of Wesley and Marigot. The grand spectacle culminated in a memorable final parade at Lindo Park, Roseau, under the proud gaze of Dominica’s first native-born governor, Sir Louis Cools-Lartigue, and Minister of Education and Health, Henckell Lochinvar Christian. This event was not just a display of marching prowess but a vivid testament to the unifying power of shared experiences and values.
Major Skeete, serving as a warrant officer during the 1974 camp, left an indelible mark on all who attended. For many Barbadian cadets, it was their first encounter with the majestic mountain ranges and serene rivers of Dominica, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In 2022, veterans of this unforgettable venture, along with Brigadier Maynard and Major Johnson, reflected on their experiences in a virtual gathering, a testament to the enduring bonds formed over decades.
Continuing this legacy, Major Francis Richards of the Dominica Cadet Corps worked closely with Major Skeete to ensure the relationship between the Dominica and Barbados cadet programs did not falter. Through their efforts, the cadet spirit continued to thrive, particularly evident when Dominica’s cadet program was revitalized by Executive Order from Prime Minister Rosie Douglas in 2000. I can state without fear of contradiction that no other cadet officer from another Caribbean island did more to consolidate the revived Dominica Cadet Corps from 2001 to 2009 than Major Patrick Skeete. His sharing of knowledge and relationships aided the training and guidance of the new Dominica Cadet Corps leadership. For his steadfast support to the Dominica Cadet Corps he was awarded the Dominica Cadet Corp Revival Medal in 2006.
Major Patrick Skeete, who departed our world on November 12, 2023, leaves behind a towering example of patriotism and civic-mindedness. Born on January 8, 1956, his life was a beacon of integrity, selflessness, and public service. His contributions extend beyond service; they offer vital lessons on leadership and integrity, needed desperately by both private and public leaders throughout the Caribbean and globally.
In honoring Major Skeete, we reflect on his profound wisdom, encapsulated in several essays and books on the cadet program and Barbados’ military heritage. His work echoed the very essence of the cadet creed: honor, duty, country. The Dominica Cadet Corps salutes Major Skeete’s worthy legacy that will inspire future generations to be disciplined, honest, and courageous.
This tribute to Major Skeete was crafted earlier but was not published until the passing of another great architect of the Caribbean cadet program, Major Lyndon Earle Johnson. Major Johnson was the Dominica Cadet Corps commandant in the 1970s and departed this life on April 14, 2025. The lives of these two great humanitarians and nation builders of our Caribbean remind us that the art of leadership is to lead by example. Both Majors Johnson and Skeete led us well and gave much of their lives to youth development, nation-building and civic duty. May we all seek to emulate them.
As we memorialize Major Patrick Skeete and Major Earle Johnson, we do so with gratitude, knowing that their spirits will forever illuminate the path for the youth they so passionately guided. May their souls rise in glory, and may their example of service in the cause of nation-building continue to inspire us all.
Report on Major Johnson’s passing can be read here: https://dominicanewsonline.
The 1974 Barbados/Dominica Cadet Corps Reunion documentary can be viewed here: