'We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came." (John F. Kennedy) Born in 1948 to the Late Elsberth Terry (a seaman) and his wife, the Late Niah Terry, Verdun Sidney Terry, often dreamt of following in his father's footsteps. As a youngster, Verdun often undertook numerous local fishing and snorkeling trips. However, such adventures are incomparable to sailing around the world on the high and often perilous majestic oceans. In Cayman, not only were heroisms of Caymanian seamen often spoken of, but equally spoken of were tragic events which would have caused one to re-think such a venture. But Verdun's mind was made up. As well as wanting to become more independent he also wanted to assist his 7 siblings financially. Emotions of excitement and fear not only engulfed the Terry family, but also the close-knitted Gun Square neighborhood, as word of Verdun's impending plans trickled throughout. Afterall, he was the first and only child/sibling of his immediate family wanting to embark on such a venture. So, in 1966 he joined National Bulk Carriers, sailing on some of the finest oil and cargo tankers, namely, the Corco, Universe Admiral, Petro Sea and Universe Kuwait, starting out in the engine room as a Wiper. He also sailed with Esso of Canada Carriers aboard the Imperial Ottawa. When he stopped sailing in 1974 (due to injuries sustained aboard the Universe Admiral) he had attained the coveted and competitive rank of 3rd Assistant Engineer. Some years after returning home, he continued his association with the sea by taking up employment with Thompson Shipping as Customer Service Agent and Insurance Manager and currently with West Indian Marine Group as General Manager. Terry went to sea for National Bulk in his earlier days. For past 10 + years has been port agent at Maritime Agencies. He handles cargo ships, tankers, Royal Navy ships and US coast guard ships when the call to cayman.

Elizabeth B. Bonilla

P.O. Box 18

GRAND CAYMAN KY1-1601

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Email: elizabeth1@candw.ky

Tel: 345-925-5655

October 26, 2020

2021 National Heroes Day Committee

c/o Ministry of Health, Environment, Culture & Housing

Government Administration Building

P.O. Box 111

Grand Cayman KY1-9000

Cayman Islands

Dear Sir/Madam,

2021 NATIONAL HEROES DAY AWARDS – SEAFARING HERITAGE – PIONEER CATEGORY

RE VERDUN SIDNEY TERRY (the Nominee)

The Nominee, started out as a seaman in 1966 at the age of 18 years old. He sailed for 8 years aboard multiple

oil and cargo ships with National Bulk Carriers. Unfortunately, due to injuries sustained whilst sailing on one of

the ships, ie. the Universe Admiral, he ceased sailing in 1974.

In this regard, I would like to nominate him for a 2021 National Heroes Day Award from within the “Pioneer”

category.

Should any other information or clarification be required, I can be contacted at the above telephone number or e-

mail.

Thank you for reviewing and considering the submission and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Yours faithfully,

Elizabeth B. Bonilla

Nominator for Verdun Sidney Terry

'We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came." (John F. Kennedy) Born in 1948 to the Late Elsberth Terry (a seaman) and his wife, the Late Niah Terry, Verdun Sidney Terry, often dreamt of following in his father's footsteps. As a youngster, Verdun often undertook numerous local fishing and snorkeling trips. However, such adventures are incomparable to sailing around the world on the high and often perilous majestic oceans. In Cayman, not only were heroisms of Caymanian seamen often spoken of, but equally spoken of were tragic events which would have caused one to re-think such a venture. But Verdun's mind was made up. As well as wanting to become more independent he also wanted to assist his 7 siblings financially. Emotions of excitement and fear not only engulfed the Terry family, but also the close-knitted Gun Square neighborhood, as word of Verdun's impending plans trickled throughout. Afterall, he was the first and only child/sibling of his immediate family wanting to embark on such a venture. So, in 1966 he joined National Bulk Carriers, sailing on some of the finest oil and cargo tankers, namely, the Corco, Universe Admiral, Petro Sea and Universe Kuwait, starting out in the engine room as a Wiper. He also sailed with Esso of Canada Carriers aboard the Imperial Ottawa. When he stopped sailing in 1974 (due to injuries sustained aboard the Universe Admiral) he had attained the coveted and competitive rank of 3rd Assistant Engineer. Some years after returning home, he continued his association with the sea by taking up employment with Thompson Shipping as Customer Service Agent and Insurance Manager and currently with West Indian Marine Group as General Manager. Terry went to sea for National Bulk in his earlier days. For past 10 + years has been port agent at Maritime Agencies. He handles cargo ships, tankers, Royal Navy ships and US coast guard ships when the call to cayman.

Elizabeth B. Bonilla

P.O. Box 18

GRAND CAYMAN KY1-1601

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Email: elizabeth1@candw.ky

Tel: 345-925-5655

October 26, 2020

2021 National Heroes Day Committee

c/o Ministry of Health, Environment, Culture & Housing

Government Administration Building

P.O. Box 111

Grand Cayman KY1-9000

Cayman Islands

Dear Sir/Madam,

2021 NATIONAL HEROES DAY AWARDS – SEAFARING HERITAGE – PIONEER CATEGORY

RE VERDUN SIDNEY TERRY (the Nominee)

The Nominee, started out as a seaman in 1966 at the age of 18 years old. He sailed for 8 years aboard multiple

oil and cargo ships with National Bulk Carriers. Unfortunately, due to injuries sustained whilst sailing on one of

the ships, ie. the Universe Admiral, he ceased sailing in 1974.

In this regard, I would like to nominate him for a 2021 National Heroes Day Award from within the “Pioneer”

category.

Should any other information or clarification be required, I can be contacted at the above telephone number or e-

mail.

Thank you for reviewing and considering the submission and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Yours faithfully,

Elizabeth B. Bonilla

Nominator for Verdun Sidney Terry