⚓️ Cayman Islands Sea Cadets secure new training vessel

The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps’ (CICC) maritime division, known as the Sea Cadets, has acquired a motor vessel for CI$75,000. The vessel, named the MV Miss Gwen in honor of the late Gwendolyn Bush, a Caymanian seafaring matriarch, will serve as a training ground for young sailors. The boat was purchased from a private seller in November using capital funds from the Ministry of Home Affairs budget. After a comprehensive assessment by the coastguard, the vessel was deemed fit for purpose and a good value for money.🚢

The MV Miss Gwen will play a crucial role in the CICC’s training program. The Sea Cadets, who are all high school students aged between 11 and 18, will learn maritime communication and engineering skills such as seamanship, ropework, naval customs and practices, scuba diving, sailing, and boat maintenance. Home Affairs Minister Sabrina Turner believes the boat will help create career pathways for the cadets in public safety and foster a passion for public service.👮‍♀️

The Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG), which will be conducting much of the training for the Sea Cadets, recently formalized its partnership with the Cadet Corps through a memorandum of understanding. This collaboration, along with the acquisition of the new vessel, will ensure the cadets receive comprehensive, hands-on training. CICC Commandant Colonel Errol Brathwaite emphasized the importance of providing activities for young people to develop their skills for the future.⛵️