Bermuda Sea Cadets Celebrate 60th Year
The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps [BSSC] held its annual prizegiving, marking its 60th anniversary and recognising cadets’ achievements.
A spokesperson said, “Last week, the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps [BSCC] hosted its annual Prizegiving Ceremony, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Sea Cadets in Bermuda. The event celebrated the achievements, growth, and dedication of the island’s young cadets and junior cadets, as well as the volunteers and families who support them.
“Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons, Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, served as the evening’s Guest of Honour. His presence underscored the long‑standing relationship between the Regiment and the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps, two organisations founded in the same year and united by a shared mission of developing Bermuda’s future leaders.”
Speaking on his experience as the Guest of Honour for the event, Lt Col Simons was very enthusiastic about the Sea Cadet programme, saying, “Youth organisations like the Sea Cadets are really important in that they strengthen civil society and foster a sense of duty to serve one’s community. It was a privilege to speak to them and join in celebrating their accomplishments over the past year. I was both impressed and inspired.”
The spokesperson said, “Indeed, the past year has been one of the most active and successful in recent BSCC history, marked by participation in major annual parades including the King’s Birthday Parade, Remembrance Day, HMS Jervis Bay, Midshipman Dale, and Pilot Jemmy Darrell commemorations, as well as community events such as the Unit’s annual sponsored row, trashathon, fish fry, and family bingo night.
“As part of the Sea Cadet training programme, conducted throughout the year, Cadets also earned promotions in rank and earned qualifications in a wide array of skills, including drill, seamanship, catering, piping, and rowing, to name a few. In addition, the introduction of the new RNPCS uniform and updated training aids further modernised the Unit’s training. The Corps also made history as the first Overseas Sea Cadet Unit ever to participate in the National Trafalgar Day Parade in London, in October.
“Most notably, this year saw a record‑breaking milestone with the largest ship’s company in more than 30 years. The Corps now boasts 32 Sea Cadets and Junior Cadets and is a diverse community group, representing 14 different schools from across Bermuda and achieving a 50% female/male cadet ratio for the first time.”
“This is a wonderfully diverse, committed, and enthusiastic group of young people,” said Lieutenant Commander [SCC] Michael Frith, RNR, the Commander of the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps. “They show up every week, take on every challenge, and represent Bermuda with pride.”
The spokesperson said, “The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of cadets at every level, from the Junior Division to the most senior cadets preparing for leadership roles. Recognitions included:
- TS Admiral Somers Leadership Award: Able Cadet Xavier Vezina
- Commanding Officer’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Ordinary Cadet Christian Fox
- Commendations for Self-Discipline & Commitment – Ordinary Cadet Samuel Valles, Ordinary Cadet A’Lia German-Pitcher, and Cadet 1st Class Kayden Harvey
- Commendation for Respect & Loyalty – Ordinary Cadet Sophie Tindall
- Commendation for Courage & Commitment – Cadet 1st Class Aidan Taylor
- Commendations for Sea Cadet Core Values – Cadet Briyani Gibbons and Cadet 1st Class Soraiya Trott
- Merit Point Achievement – Attendance – Ordinary Cadet Samuel Valles
- Merit Point Achievement – Uniform – Ordinary Cadet Cyana Simons-Cyris
- Merit Point Achievement – Discipline – Ordinary Cadet Lexie Taylor
- Merit Point Achievement – Participation – Ordinary Cadet Lexie Taylor
The Commanding Officer closed the ceremony by thanking the dedicated Uniformed Volunteers, Unit Management Committee, Association Executive, and the families who make the programme possible. “We are a strong Unit and a strong Corps because of all of you,” he said. “This is what community can achieve.”
The spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps welcomes new volunteers and supporters to join its mission of developing Bermuda’s youth. Whether through mentoring, training, or helping with events, community members can play a vital role in shaping the island’s future leaders. To learn more about volunteering opportunities, email bermudaseacadets@gmail.com or tsadmiralsomers@hotmail.com.”
