Official Appointment of the 2020/2021 Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets – Virtual Presentation

To mark the official appointment of the 2020/2021 Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for Greater London, one of the most prestigious regional appointments a cadet can be honoured with in recognition to their outstanding service and commitment, a virtual ceremony was held to congratulate and formally announce this year’s selection. 

Cadet Flight Sergeant Nicholas Amakye from 282 East Ham Squadron has been appointed to represent RAF Air Cadets, Cadet CSM Alfie Tucker from 47 Cadet Detachment will represent Army Cadet Force, and finally, Cadet Petty Officer Elizabeth Hill from Richmond Sea Cadets has been appointed to represent the Sea Cadet Corps.

The short virtual ceremony began with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, outlining exactly what it means to be a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, and what amazing and exciting opportunities await these three young people this year. Drawing attention to how we are able to still celebrate this great milestone in these Cadet's careers, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE said:

“In these challenging times technology is playing a huge role in helping us celebrate important occasions and I was delighted to virtually present my highly deserving new cadets with their awards. The achievements of all three cadets are humbling and a great testament to their families and the work of GLRFCA with young people across London.”  

The three Greater London Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for 2020/2021 will accompany the Lord-Lieutenant and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant on some engagements during their time in this role. These Cadets, drawn from each service, are selected in recognition of the outstanding example and devotion to duty they have displayed, as a Cadet and member of the community.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Nicholas Amakye

Some of FS Amakye’s achievements that lead up to gaining this prestigious honour includes completing Air Cadet Bronze leadership course, gaining Bronze and Silver Cyber awards, received St Johns ambulance first aid training, is a qualified Lifeguard, and completed his Gold DofE just last August. 

Squadron leader of 285 East Ham Squardon, C Booty, praises Nicholas in his citation, and states:

"FS Amakye’s passion for helping the community is evident, from cleaning cemeteries for local trusts to travelling overseas on community-based projects. His dedication and commitment to duty is second to none, and without a doubt embodies all of what being an RAF Air cadet stands for."

Cadet CSM Alfie Tucker

Recommending Alfie for the post Col Larry Davis, Commandant of City and North East ACF Sector, said:

“CSM Tucker is a proven and respected senior cadet whose performance continues to be immaculate. He has proven beyond any doubt that he has all the attributes for this award and richly deserves my highest recommendation. CSM Tucker will make an excellent Lord-Lieutenants Cadet.”

Cadet Petty Officer Elizabeth Hill

Elizabeth joined her local sea cadet unit in Richmond as a junior Sea Cadet aged just 10. Her SCC career has seen a mix of great successes and desperate struggles, as her home unit has seen a lack of adult volunteers almost force closure in recent years. Through all of this Elizabeth has remained loyal and resolute in her commitment despite having every excuse to become dispirited and perhaps seek opportunities elsewhere.

Lieutenant (SCC) RNR Mike Purcell, the Deputy District Officer, praises Elizabeth in her citation, and states:

“Her [Elizabeth’s] imagination and selfless dedication to her unit and fellow cadets was instrumental in seeing the unit through this period of change, and such was her determination to succeed that she even convinced her own mother to volunteer, and to eventually take the role of unit Commanding Officer! Together, mother and daughter have led Richmond Unit out of the doldrums to become one of the most improved units in the London Area.”

We congratulate all three of these outstanding young people on receiving such a prestigious position and honour, and wish them all the very best in what is set to be a very exciting future ahead.