Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell to serve as BDF Chief of Staff

Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell, currently Military Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), will be promoted to Brigadier General on September 18.

On the same day, he will take over as chief of staff, replacing retired Brigadier General Ellington Shurland in command of the military organization, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

Lovell was drawn to the organization and discipline of the military from a young age and credits the Barbados Junior Officers Corps with guiding him down this noble path and giving him purpose and direction during his formative years.

Lovell joined the Boy Scouts at the age of 12, two days after attending Lodge High School, and quickly became part of the organization. Over the next eight years, the Boy Scouts became his training ground, instilling in him the values ​​of discipline, leadership, and perseverance.

Despite the challenges of limited resources growing up, Lovell noted that he found an outlet for his ambitions through the Corps of Cadets, an experience that gave him a solid foundation in military training and opened doors of opportunity to shape his future.

After completing Grade 6, Lovell officially joined the Barbados Defence Force on June 22, 1998. Immediately after joining the Barbados Defence Force, he was offered the opportunity to receive military training abroad. Within a week of joining the army, he was sent to Canada to attend the Young Officers Course, a one-year commissioned officer course, which was his first exposure to international military training.

The Lt. Col. described the experience as transformative, not only because it was his first trip abroad, but also because it laid the foundation for his subsequent career, allowing him to engage with military personnel, politicians and dignitaries from around the world.

During his 26-year career in the Barbados Defence Force, Lovell has experienced a variety of military training and international activities, traveling around the world, participating in various training programs, and representing Barbados at many high-level meetings and events. He noted that this global military practice and interaction with world leaders enriched his understanding of military strategy and leadership, making him a well-rounded and respected officer.

Lovell’s vision for the BDF emphasizes regional cooperation, disaster response and the professional development of personnel. It is understood that one of his top priorities is to ensure that the BDF is modernized into a more capable, agile and well-rounded force ready to effectively respond to the challenges of the 21st century.

In addition to Lodge’s promotions, several other key officers will move into new positions on Sept. 18. Commander Mark Peterson, also a Lodge alumnus and currently serving as counselor to the chief of staff, will be named deputy chief of staff and promoted to captain. Lieutenant Commander Ryan Alleyne, also a Lodge alumnus, will be promoted to commander.

Lieutenant Commander Derek A. Brathwaite, currently Commanding Officer of the Barbados Coast Guard, will be appointed to the position and promoted to Commanding Officer.

Major Julia Dabreo, former Aide-de-Camp to former Governor General, Mrs. Sandra Mason, will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment. Major Dabreo’s promotion marks a historic moment as she becomes the third female Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment.

The Barbados Defence Force was established on August 15, 1979 and consists of the Barbados Regiment, the Barbados Coast Guard and the Barbados Cadet Corps. (RG)