Workers, soldiers and public service staff have been thanked for their tireless efforts restoring the Island after this month’s storms.

The Anglican Bishop of Bermuda Nicholas Dill led tributes to the soldiers, firefighters, government workers and police, who helped the Island to recover from Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo, at the event outside City Hall, organised by Imagine Bermuda.

Bob Richards, the Acting Premier, said afterwards: “I was very pleased to be here and I’m happy to participate. We always have something to be thankful for in Bermuda, but on this particular occasion, we have extra to be thankful for.”

Meanwhile, Michael Weeks, the Shadow Minister for Community and Cultural Affairs, told the audience: “The Regiment soldiers I see here did a great job, as did the Fire Service, and Belco has been a lifesaver for me. I take my hat off to all they have done to help our Island get back together.”

Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer Michael Foster-Brown said that it was great to see members of the public coming out and showing their support for the Island’s emergency services and other groups that worked to get Bermudians up and running as soon as possible.

“Everybody loves a soldier at the moment, but in the months to come when the memory of Fay and Gonzalo has faded, if you value the Regiment then please show that support,” he said.

“Whether it be by speaking up for it, a friendly toot of your horn when driving past someone in uniform, giving soldiers credit for their transferable skills when they apply for a job, or indeed considering service yourself.”

He added that 16 soldiers were still deployed in helping Belco crews to restore power to homes and businesses across the Island.

“The Regiment did its duty during the hurricanes and the aftermath, as we will again when the next emergency sadly and inevitably comes, but we really value the support for what truly is ‘Your Regiment’,” Lt Col Foster Brown said.