She’s full of faith, she’s firm, she’s fast – just how fast, we’ll see in a minute. Portsmouth Midshipman Felicia Phyllis Williams looks very much a woman to me, but whom am I to question military terminology?
There’s not much else I question about the Cadets. That is why I will be forwarding you daily dispatches on the wonderful formative experiences our top youth in the sister country. Parents and loved ones back home in beautiful Dominica and in the Diaspora will be pleased to hear that things are going quite well thank you, at Camp Vide Boutique.
It all boils down to leadership, doesn’t it?
Take Nurse Williams for example. She felt drawn to things military from early childhood. She attributes that to her karate expert father, Felix Williams, who brought them up in a devout household with martial arts discipline. After Hurricane David blew away his Purple Dragon dojo, he directed their energies to track & field. Phyllis’ 2002 12.1 second 100 meter dash record stood for 8 years before being broken by future olympian Luann Gabriel.
Phyllis graduated high school as head girl with academic and sports honors and opted for Florence Nightingale’s career. Upon completion of nursing school, she started off on Glover (female medical) ward before spending time on the neonatal unit. In 2014 she took on her current assignment in the Accident & Emergency department at the Reginald Fitzroy Armour Hospital, Portsmouth.
However, from her earliest opportunity in First Form, she volunteered for Cadet program. In 2007 she switched to the Sea Cadet. This young mother carried on smartly depite her family suffering an terrible unsolved maritime tragedy which she prefers not to talk about. There could be no better illustration that cadets cannot afford the luxury of many of the common fears and unpleasantries of life.
That’s where I had the privilege of meeting Midshipman Williams. She was playing a central role as part of the officer corps of 105 Cadet contingent under command of Captain Linoln Robinson (more on that tomorrow). In my time, the Corps was an exclusive men’s club. Today, for all practical purposes, female input and opportunity is equal across the board.
We found the inside of the express ferry taking us on training in St. Lucia to be as well appointed as any wide-bodied jet. That baby was flying from wavetop to wavetop! Occasionally it would slam down on the water table with mighty thud eliciting uncadet-like shrieks and topsy-turvy stomachs. In flash, the Midshipman sprang up shouting to the youths to brace themselves. Moments later she was injecting Gravol, dispensing Ibuprofen and comforting those who were out of sorts.
But there is more to Nurse Williams than blood & guts. She is ensuring her 11 year-old is blessed with similar values to those on which she was nurtured. She is active on the praise team and women’s fellowship Portsmouth Olivet First Baptist Church. Her favourite is Rev 3.23, ‘Behold I stand at door & knock…’ her favourite chorus, ‘Break every chain!’ She feels strongly that people of faith ought not concede matters of community development to those with little conscience. Clearly nurse Williams is an all-round inspiration to her charges.
So if you catch an eyeful of that bundle of energy on the parade ground – waving her staff around, jabbing the air, issuing commands and exhortations, then we must be looking at the same person. It is because of officers like Midshipman Williams that the Dominica Cadet Corps is in the ascendancy among its peers in the Caribbean.
Simply put, the Corps booming! Even more so now, this venerable organization serves as a beacon of hope for progressive young people. Indeed, this diciplined force is grooming such future leaders of Dominica in all fields of human endeavour.
Maj. Sam Christian is Medical Officer of the Dominica Cadet Corps. He can be reached at (767) 440-9133 or by logging on to
Great job nursy. My little daughter is with u, I hope and pray that she emulutes you. May God continue to guide and protect all of you. Viva the cadet corp
Thank you all for the comments they will help me become a stronger womanwoman
Great job cadets! I would encourage more parents to enroll their kids in this program. The Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Youth should also be commended for their support given to the Cadet Corps.
Way to go Phyllis.. so proud of you.
I donn’t know Phyllis but from what I read, she is an amazing woman. I want my daughter to look at women like Phyllis as a role model. No question she will a strong positive influence on a lot of girls thanks to her accomplishments in cadets.
Love that u keeping the faith cuzz shana love u
Just love to see nurses do well. More power to you nurseee. Makes me feel proud.
congrats sis
Yes my girl making news. Keep it up!!!
THAT’S MY SISTER!!! whoop whoop. YOU GO GIRL! Proud of you mwah
M.K.W
Wow! Dr. Christian I am pleased to see you carry on the support of youth leadership training undertaken by the Dominica Cadet Corps. I remember you, Francis Richards, Jeff Joe, Coleridge Linton, Tony Valmond, Eddy Charles who later became a US General, Mikey Fadelle, and even your older brother Dr Wellsworth as cadets. That movement helped me too when I joined the police service in the UK. No nation can build anything of value without a disciplined, patriotic, integrity driven and organized youth population. We hope all Dominicans can join hands to help these young people to become the good leaders of tomorrow and cut down on crime . We need more success stories like this. Keep it coming; with the support of the people and DNO we will make a better day.
Good vibes. Keep up the positivity.
Way to go love.
Thumps up Phillys. You are a strong woman. I am so happy for you. Possie massive