The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps celebrated its 60th anniversary at a Trafalgar Night Dinner at Government House, launching a $2 million capital campaign to upgrade its St George’s unit building.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps marked a significant milestone in its history on Wednesday evening, with a traditional Trafalgar Night Dinner hosted at Government House to celebrate 60 years of service to Bermuda’s young people. The event also launched the Corps’ $2 million capital campaign to upgrade and enhance its Unit building and secure the future of the Corps for generations to come.
“Held under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor of Bermuda, Mr Andrew Murdoch, CMG CVO, the evening honoured the enduring traditions of the Royal Navy and the legacy of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It also celebrated the important role the Corps continues to play in developing leadership, discipline, teamwork and confidence among young people across our island.
“The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on six decades of dedication from the volunteers, supporters and families who have helped shape the Corps since its establishment in 1966. For 60 years, the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps has equipped thousands of young people with practical skills, a sense of responsibility and the confidence to serve their community with pride.
“A central moment of the evening was the announcement of the Corps’ $2 million capital campaign, which will fund the upgrades to its existing unit building, transforming it into a modern, accessible, fit-for-purpose facility to support the next chapter of its history.
“The building is central to the Corps’ activities, providing a home for training, development and the relationships that underpin its work. Its renovation represents an investment not only in infrastructure, but in the future of Bermuda’s young people. It will ensure the continued development of the Corps’ mission of inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure, guided by the customs and traditions of today’s Royal Navy.”
Speaking about the legacy of leadership honoured with the traditional Trafalgar commemorations, and the Bermuda Sea Cadets’ role in the local community, the Governor noted, “I learned a great deal during my own time as a Sea Cadet, and thanks to incredible adult volunteers, young people in Bermuda are able to acquire and develop new skills and abilities that will help them thrive as adults. I’m therefore incredibly honoured as patron of the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps to support them by hosting a Trafalgar Night dinner.
“Trafalgar Night dinners include some wonderful and somewhat unusual naval traditions. Hosting one in Government House brought back great memories of my time in the Royal Navy. At its heart the evening is about bringing people together with a shared interest, and sense of community. To be able to use this annual naval event to celebrate an impressive 60 year anniversary and to launch a critical campaign to help the organisation grow, was something I was delighted to support.”
The spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corp welcomes the support of individuals, businesses, community organisations and philanthropic partners who share a belief in the value of youth development and the importance of investing in the next generation.
“As the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps celebrates its 60th anniversary, the capital campaign offers an opportunity to honour the achievements of those who came before while building a stronger foundation for those who will follow.”
In his vote of thanks at the end of the evening, Lieutenant Commander [SCC] Michael Frith, RNR, Commander of the Corps noted, “We are very proud of our Cadets and what they continue to achieve, and of the role that the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps plays in providing a safe, challenging and fun environment in which they can thrive. We want to do more of that and provide even more opportunities for the Cadets. That is why we need to overhaul our Unit in St George’s, to make it more accessible and safe, to enhance our versatile training space to provide more, and more diverse, opportunities for our Cadets, and to create a community resource that they – and everyone – can be proud of.”
The spokesperson said, “For more information about the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps and its $2 million capital campaign, or to find out how to support the renovation project, please email bermudaseacadets@gmail.com. Donations and pledges may also be made by direct transfer to BNTB 060-166017-0014 – Bermuda Sea Cadet Association [noting Sea Cadet 60 in the payee reference] or by contacting your favourite Cadet and offering to support their efforts.
“Together, we can ensure that Bermuda’s next generation continues to learn, lead and serve with pride.”
