Lyndon Earle Johnson
Lyndon Earle Johnson, affectionately known as “Major”, was a towering figure in Dominica’s post-colonial era—his legacy woven into the island’s civic, military, entrepreneurial, and youth development spheres. From the parade grounds of the Dominica Cadet Corps to the boardrooms of local business ventures, and from the founding of Rotary in Dominica to his final days of international service, Major Johnson embodied unwavering dedication to his country and community.
Early Life, Education, and Civil Service of Lyndon Earle Johnson
Born on December 19, 1939, in Roseau, Dominica, he was the son of Stanley Johnson and Eulie Anastasia Defoe (née LaRocque). He began his formal education at the Dominica Grammar School, where his leadership abilities and discipline first became evident. He pursued agricultural training at the Eastern Caribbean Farm Institute in Centeno, Trinidad, then affiliated with the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, and later completed a Doctorate in Business Administration at California Coastal University in the United States.
Major Johnson entered public life on January 1, 1960, launching a career in civil service that would span nearly two decades until his retirement in 1978. During that time, he served with distinction, guiding policy, strengthening institutions, and helping to shape the early structures of national administration.
Military Leadership and Youth Empowerment
In 1967, during Dominica’s transition to becoming an Associated State of the United Kingdom, Johnson was appointed Commandant of the Dominica Defence Force, playing a key role in its re-establishment. His leadership extended to the Dominica Cadet Corps, where he mentored countless young Dominicans, fostering discipline, civic pride, and a deep sense of responsibility.
As Director of the Regional Youth Camp at Londonderry, he pioneered vocational training programs for Caribbean youth, emphasising skills in agriculture, mechanics, and technical education—a vision grounded in self-sufficiency and regional cooperation.
Entrepreneurial Innovation
True to his visionary nature, Major Johnson ventured into business with the same commitment he showed in public life. He co-founded Golden Fried Chicken, offering a locally rooted alternative to foreign fast-food chains. He also established Toy World, later known as Play World, Dominica’s first dedicated toy store, and the Jaws Ice Cream Company, which created employment opportunities and enriched the island’s commercial scene.
Even while building businesses, his pursuit of academic and professional excellence never ceased, reflecting a lifelong commitment to growth and purposeful innovation.
Founding Rotary in Dominica
Major Johnson’s most enduring civic legacy began in 1973, when he, alongside 22 other forward-thinking Dominican professionals, founded the Rotary Club of Dominica with encouragement from the Rotary Club of St. Kitts. The club was officially chartered on November 2, 1974, and Johnson became its first president.
Rotary was where his passion for service truly flourished. Under his guidance, the club launched transformative projects: establishing the nation’s first blood bank, constructing an Acute Psychiatric Wing at the Princess Margaret Hospital, supporting the School for the Blind, and developing Rotary Can-Do Timbers Ltd., a commercial timber plant aimed at job creation and training.
He also led Group Study Exchange teams to Canada, the United States, Australia, and India, deepening international bonds and showcasing Dominica’s potential on the global stage.
A Lasting National Legacy
Major Johnson’s imprint on Dominica’s history is unmistakable. He served as a mentor, builder, strategist, and humanitarian. He was instrumental in popular community events like the Donkey Derby at Windsor Park, which brought joy, unity, and fundraising to new heights.
Even after relocating to the United States, his commitment to Dominica never waned. During Rotary’s 50th Charter Anniversary in 2024, he contributed table tennis equipment to the Roseau Primary School, Trafalgar Primary School, and Salybia Primary School, reminding the next generation that play, wellness, and service go hand in hand.
Through it all, his beloved wife Heather accompanied him to Rotary events at home and abroad, sharing in his journey of compassion and leadership.
Final Reflection
Past District Governor Earle Johnson left a heartfelt charge in his final years: “Lift the Torch of Service a little higher, that others may see its light.” This call resonates even louder today, urging Dominicans and Rotarians alike to uphold his values: service above self, a relentless vision, and an unwavering love for their country.
His passing is a moment of mourning and a powerful reminder of what one life, entirely dedicated to purpose, can achieve. Major Lyndon Earle Johnson’s legacy endures—in the institutions he helped shape, the leaders he mentored, the communities he uplifted, and the island he loved with every breath.