Bermuda has a brilliant future if the talent on show at Bermuda CableVision’s gala “Salute to Service” last Saturday was anything to go by. From the solo flautist, the suave saxophonist and supercool jazz band to the energetic dancers and drummers, the coolest of the cool were on display at the Fairmont Southampton Resort.Approximately 200 youngsters performed in a variety of ways before, during and after dinner, entertaining the diners who had assembled to pay tribute to Bermuda’s youth and their mentors. Among the special guests were Sir Richard Gozney, Governor of Bermuda, Premier Paula Cox and members of her Cabinet and US Consul General Grace Shelton.And the youngsters left not only with thunderous applause ringing in their ears, but money in their pockets, as CableVision donated $1,000 to each of the 17 performing arts organisations represented during the evening.Bermuda CableVision General Manager Terry Roberson, in his opening remarks, acknowledged the “selfless determination” of the unsung heroes recognised in past awards ceremonies before drawing attention to the positive role that many young people are playing in our society and recognising the support they receive from parents and special mentors.Sir Richard Gozney also paid tribute to the “real galaxy of talent” to be found among Bermuda’s youth and praised CableVision for providing an opportunity for them to showcase their positive energy.“Young people and their families are the cornerstone of our community,” observed Ms Paula Cox in her remarks at the beginning of the evening. “It is most fitting and appropriate,” she continued, “to celebrate them at this seventh annual Bermuda CableVision ‘Salute to Service’ banquet. I am pleased to be a participant.”The Bermuda Institute Steel Band, under the direction of Mr Conrad Roach, performed during the cocktail hour, and again later in the evening. During dinner, musical entertainment was provided by the St. George’s Preparatory School Choir, Bermuda Institute School Choir, CedarBridge Academy Orchestra, the Bermuda High School’s string ensemble, Warwick Academy Jazz Band, soloists and a duet from Shine’s School of Music, Bermuda School of Music Steel Band, and the Sandys Secondary Middle School Drumline and Eddie Ming Drum School.The Berkeley Institute Dance Ensemble, Troika Dance Group, Graffiti Dance Crew, Bermuda Squad Dance Group and Sea Breeze Salsa Dancers also presented some exciting and interesting dance pieces during the eveningIn his closing remarks, and before presenting each organisation with a cheque, Mr Roberson noted: “The performers themselves, along with their adult mentors, volunteer many hours together to perfecting their artistries. In doing so they make an invaluable contribution to defining our island’s culture as creative, cohesive and constructive”He explained later: “We decided this year to recognise these young performers at our ‘Salute to Service’ banquet as they all volunteer many hours to perfecting their skills for the pleasure of others. In addition, we wanted to celebrate the adult leaders that graciously spare their time and energy to cultivate this raw talent.“All too often, young people are perceived as a threat to the status quo rather than the positive, progressive force they can be. With this showcase of some of the best emerging talent Bermuda has to offer, we hope to have shattered that misconception by giving our children a platform on which to delight and inspire.”