Major Pedro Emmanuel Drakes BSc, pjsc

Major Pedro E. Drakes enlisted in the fulltime element of Barbados Defence Force on 2 September 1989. During his formative years, he held positions such as Section Commander, Recruit Training Instructor, Information Technology Administrator and Systems Network Administrator. He attended various military training courses locally and internationally, such as the Canadian Forces School of Electronics and Communication, specializing in Information and Communications Technology. In 1994, he was deployed to Haiti as part of the CARICOM-United Nations Multinational Forces operation to restore democracy to the Caribbean nation.
During the International Cricket Council’s World Cup in 2007, Major Drakes was seconded to the Joint Regional Communications Centre where he was responsible for security matters and reporting persons of interest. In 2009, he was commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant and attend the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia for initial officer training. Upon his return he was appointed Officer Commanding the Technical Support Company.
Throughout his military career, Major Drakes has held several notable appointments within the Force. These include: Cadet Executive Officer, Senior Company Commander, Recruit Training Officer, Special Assignment Officer Policies, Human Resources Manager, President of the Officers’ Mess Committee and Aide – de – Camp to the former Prime Minister the Honourable Freundel Stuart; QC. During the passage of the Atlantic Weather Systems in 2017, he played a significant role as Second – in – Command of the Regional Security System’s contingent to assist with security and humanitarian relief efforts in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
On 10 June 2021, Major Drakes was appointed Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment. He is the recipient of the Defence Board Commendation, two Chief of Staff Commendations, the Service Medal of Honour with two clasps, the General Service Medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the United Nations Medal and the Regional Security System Medal.
Major Drakes holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Management, from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, an Associate Degree in Computer Science and is a qualified All Arms Drill Instructor.