Government is to launch its own inquiry into the Bermuda Regiment's procedures for handling sexual misconduct claims.

But the "internal review" announced yesterday by Acting Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban was immediately denounced by critics who want an independent inquiry as an "exercise in futility" and "window dressing".

Meanwhile, Regiment commander Brian Gonsalves revealed last night that he began an investigation at Warwick Camp several weeks ago, asking staff to provide any information they have about past allegations of sexual harassment.

The Human Rights Commission has already launched its own inquiry into the controversy - meaning three separate official investigations have now been prompted by The Royal Gazette's uncovering of a string of sexual misconduct claims.

Mr. Roban said in his statement - issued five weeks after this newspaper revealed that 14 male soldiers made allegations between 1989 and 2002 - that he would meet with Lieutenant Colonel Gonsalves to review the "existing protocols".

But he did not respond to further questions about the scope of the review, whether its findings would be made public or whether he has spoken to any of the alleged victims of sexual assault and harassment.

Mr. Roban, whose acting ministerial brief includes public safety, said the allegations of past abuse and misconduct had prompted public discussion and criticism of the Regiment's "sterling reputation".

He said he had listened "intently and carefully to all sides of the debate" and was keen to retain public confidence in the Island's part-time conscripted army."As it relates to the allegations which have been widely discussed, I have previously stated that such matters are viewed very seriously by this Government and this Ministry is committed to dedicating the appropriate level of sensitivity and attention to this issue," said Mr. Roban."As such, I have arranged to meet with the [Lieutenant] Colonel of the Bermuda Regiment with the intent of reviewing their existing protocols when allegations of sexual misconduct or any other form of abuse are made."It is the position of this Ministry that if deemed necessary and should the findings of the review warrant, we will take the necessary steps to enhance the procedures."Opposition Senate leader Michael Dunkley, who claims "well known" figures in the community were involved in the alleged sexual misconduct and that records about it have gone missing, said any internal review would not delve deep enough."It's only appropriate to have an independent board of inquiry to make sure things are investigated properly and to make sure that no one is protected by an internal review," he said."All the Minister really says is that he's going to have a meeting with the Colonel. That to me is just window dressing. It should be done in conjunction with an independent board of inquiry. Right now, this is just making a mockery of the whole process." Anti-conscription campaigner Larry Marshall, from Bermudians Against the Draft, wants a Royal Commission into the claims. But the Governor has rejected the demand, saying he sees "no convincing argument" for such a powerful, wide-ranging review.Mr. Marshall said last night: "I think this supposed internal review is no more than an exercise in futility, specifically designed to prevent a Royal Commission from being set up. "For Mr. Roban to suggest that he has listened 'intently and carefully to all sides of the debate' is a very misleading statement. For he, like the Governor, purposely ignores the victims which is reprehensible. How many of the 14 young men has he talked to at this time?"Mr. Marshall added: "The Bermudian public will never accept an inquiry like this, which is severely limited by design. A Royal Commission is the one and only mechanism which can get to the bottom of this sordid ordeal. And the present Government is well aware of that fact."Lt. Col. Gonsalves told The Royal Gazette in an email last night: "I can confirm that I initiated an internal review at least six weeks ago, asking all permanent Regiment staff to identify anything that they may recall or have heard about in the past with regard to possible sexual harassment."I have asked that they be as detailed as possible as to how any claims may have been submitted (verbal or written), and whether the claimant chose to purse the matter further, either internally or through proper legal channels outside the Regiment."Of Mr. Roban's announcement, he said: "I can confirm that I will be meeting with both the Minister and permanent secretary on this matter. In early June, immediately following the change of command, I had directed an internal review of the Defence Act, Governor's Orders and Standing Orders to identify areas that need updating/clarification, before any allegations were commented on in the media."I can only recommend changes be made to the first two, to Government and Government House. Only Standing Orders are within my remit to amend and update. I am always available to the Minister to discuss whatever he wishes regarding the Regiment. And as The Royal Gazette has previously quoted me, the Regiment is always available to assist with any official investigation or review."