The premises will serve as the cadets’ temporary home for the next two years, after their previous base at Fort Regent became unsuitable for use. Mr Norman has lodged a proposition asking the government to find a permanent site for the organisation.
Lieutenant David Thompson, who is due to become the Sea Cadets’ new commanding officer, said that significant volunteer work had gone into making the former police headquarters at Rouge Bouillon fit for purpose.
‘We’ve been painting, decorating, sorting classrooms out, moving stuff around and putting masts up etcetera. It takes a huge amount of the volunteers’ time,’ he said.
He added that the new headquarters would provide ‘a great place to instruct in’ and that the cadets could ‘feel like they’ve got a home’.
Mr Norman said: ‘I would like to reassure the group that I am committed to also delivering a permanent base for them. We will be working with the Sea Cadets to ensure that their needs are met and they have a good-quality and appropriate facility to operate from. In the meantime, I am very pleased that we have been able to deliver this new more fit-for-purpose temporary facility for them.’
Current commanding officer Lieutenant André Bonjour said the organisation was currently recruiting adult volunteers to help with the influx of new cadets.
‘We very much appreciate the support and provision made by the government. We are now in facilities which are fit for purpose and safe. There has been an immense effort by our volunteers, totalling over 1,500 hours, to move into the new premises and ready them to receive our 101 cadets as well as associated organisations that we are working with to make the facility multifunctional.’
Islanders who would like to get involved with the Jersey Sea Cadets should email sccjersey@gmail.com.
