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Public input sought on Bermuda Regiment’s future

Members of the Security and Defence Review Committee: (from left) Jonathan Smith, Leopold Mills, Cheryl-Ann Lister and Louise Jackson

The Security and Defence Review Committee is seeking public input on the way forward for the Bermuda Regiment.Part of the review focuses on the “importance of effective internal security and strong border control”.It also includes consideration of Bermuda’s security needs “post-conscription in keeping with Government’s promise to grow the full-time component of the Bermuda Regiment”.A series of “face-to-face meetings and interviews” will be conducted with residents who wish to contribute to the initiative.Bermuda’s security and defence agencies include the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, HMS Customs and the Department of Marine and Ports.Board chairman Leopold Mills said today: “Each of these agencies works well and plays a vital role in the public safety of Bermuda.”The board is comprised of former Police Commissioner and PLP Senator Jonathan Smith, former UBP and OBA MP Louise Jackson, insurance executive and former Second-in-Command of the Bermuda Regiment, Maj (Ret) George N.H. Jones, marine pilot and former Commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Ralph Richardson and finance executive Cheryl Lister.Anyone who wishes to provide “input, feedback or offer any thoughts into the review of Bermuda’s security and defence” should call 292-3515 or 292-3527 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday or e-mail securityreview@gov.bm to schedule an appointment. The deadline for submissions is October 1.“We genuinely wish to hear from all interested residents and hope they take advantage of the opportunities provided so they can share their views,” said Mr Mills.The decision to establish the formation of the committee was made in May by Governor George Fergusson, following consultation with Premier Craig Cannonier and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley.Mr Mills said: “At the time the committee was announced the Premier said he would like to ‘reiterate the critical importance of the Bermuda Government’s desire to conduct a comprehensive review to assess our overall security needs’.”