STAY WELL & SPARKLE: Littlest Cadet

Capt. Robinson with Leilani and Ludovic
Capt. Robinson with Leilani and Ludovic

Ludovic may be the littlest cadet loving it in St. Lucia. But don’t worry about the others troubling him – his daddy is Camp Commander.

In fact, Capt. Lincoln Robinson wears couple more hats than just a father looking out for his son. While his wife Michelle Gail is overseas studying nutrition and dietetics, he has had to be both father and mother to his children. He has to get Ludovic and sister Leilani ready for school in Portsmouth before heading down to work in Cadet Headquarters. Fortunately, he has excellent back up. Aunts routinely take care of his daughter’s hair the night before. And on occasion if that doesn’t work out, teacher can instantly tell when daddy did it!

BOOM!

Just like that, Dominica Cadets rocket to the top of regional competition!  And guess who had something to do with it? In 2009, the team led by Robinson broke three records – in road relay, timed race and public speaking. But there’s more! Dominica won every one of the officers races! Other events included foot & rifle drills, adventure training, map & compass land nav! as well as building shelter for overnight camping.

This is the first sign that you dealing with a man steeped in the finest military tradition. He never fails, at every opportunity, to recognize  the leadership of Cadet Commandant, Col. David Andrew and Adjutant, Major Dorsen Robin. For that matter, he eagerly credits the foundational leadership of Major Francis Richards, the first Cadet Commandant in modern era, along with Captain Gabriel Christian, felt by many to be the father of Dominica cadet revival and author of The Cadet Handbook.

Cadeting seems such a natural fit for Capt. Robinson, it is easy to forget that he was a teacher for as many as 16 years. He taught at  for seven years at Roseau SDA and nine at Portsmouth Secondary (vice principal for the last four). His past experiences as Dean of Student Discipline helps him move seamlessly from the role of early morning devotions leader, to playing dominoes, volleyball and football with even the lowly recruits, to firmly laying down the law when he has to.

And here’s how I know that he not only disciplines his children, but brings them up the way they should go. It was the night before our big service at Fatima Church to be followed by parade through the streets of St. Lucia. Sitting on my cot next to his, I observed how he attentively instructed his son in the nuances polishing his boots to shine only as a military person can. He did not only tell him what to do, but patiently showed him how,  step by step.

This may come as news to you. Lucians think quite highly of Dominicans – certainly more highly than we think of ourselves. Midshipman Williams and I had the privilege of taking the salute with Col. Hyacinth, head of our host cadet corps. Also on review was Capt. Cecil Clark, a Dominican and their cadet Public Relations Officer, along with his wife Victoria Charles Clark, Esq. (St. Lucia’s Director of Public Prosecution).

Now picture this.

We could hear the stirring martial music get louder as our band, supplemented by Lucian counterparts, marched up from below the brow of the hill. The first thing I saw was our verdant flag, emblazoned in the brilliant sun, flying high in the stiff St. Lucian breeze. Alongside was our maroon & gold Cadet colours, in stout support. Goosebumps swept all over me and shivers shot down my spine. Can you feel it? And who was at the head of the impeccably precise formation with his sword drawn? None than Capt. Robinson thundering out the order, “EYES RIGHT!”

Captain Robinson at march past
Captain Robinson at march past

St. Lucians bawled man!

Well okay, it’s not like there was some massive crowd or anything, but those onlookers present sure got a memorable treat – and couldn’t wait to say so.

Both of Capt. Robinson children’s are Pathfinders so crossing to cadeting is smoother than most. Leilani is entering 5th grade. Her favourite subject is maths. She likes technology and fixing things. Ludovic loves football and his school team won the football competition last year. He was the top boy in last year’s Grade Six National Assessment. Now I can see why.

Captain Robinson would not want me saying this, so lets keep this confidential. This splendid demonstration of fatherhood is by no means lost on our happy campers. Ludovic may be the littlest cadet indeed, but he has mighty big shoes to fill.

Major Sam Christian heads the medical unit of the Dominica Cadet Corps.  He can be reached at 440-9133 or at http://urgentcareda.weebly.com/

Colour Guard with Dominica & Cadet Flag
Colour Guard with Dominica & Cadet Flag

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8 Comments

  1. Ludovic Robinson
    October 7, 2019

    I remember that picture. I was quite small indeed. Don’t worry, I’m following his footsteps. Doing quite well I might say. :-D

  2. Jan Jan
    September 14, 2015

    i always admired this man,every thing he do he does it well.a very good teacher too

  3. Dominican Beauty
    July 25, 2015

    A great role model indeed. I admire your commitment and determination for the Dominica Cadet Corp Mr. Robinson and for this i do not want to remain as an inactive Cadet but to participate in this Club like i used too. Continue doing the great work you have started and may God continue to be your guide and strength. All the best Cap. Robinson and family. :wink: :-D

  4. Dominican
    July 23, 2015

    Mr. Robinson how can i become a cadet, i live in Roseau and willing to join

  5. Train the Children Well
    July 22, 2015

    Great article. Amidst all the news of crime and backward moves, we zee a great story of a father who is raising disciplined children, who us also training other children to be leaders of tomorrow, and who is setting an example for all Dominicans to follow. Wish that more people, government and other, could provide more to boost the cadet corps. God bless all the volunteers and those who made or possible

  6. Impressive
    July 22, 2015

    Great Role Model!!! More parents should enroll their children in the Cadet Corps..

  7. miss perfect hair
    July 22, 2015

    A very decipline young man. A good role model for his kids-keep up the good works Lincoln. God bless.

  8. just saying
    July 22, 2015

    Great article doc. Congrats to Lincoln and his family.

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