Major William White will become the new Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment later this year, it was announced yesterday.

Major White, who is currently Training Officer, takes over from Lieutenant Colonel Edward Lamb who has spent three years at the helm.

Announcing the news at Government House, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Regiment Sir John Vereker paid tribute to Lt. Col. Lamb saying: ?He has led the Regiment with distinction throughout the three years of his appointment.?

The Governor praised the role that the Regiment has played in supporting the Police in helping to maintain the Island?s security, its effectiveness in training young Bermudians, and in helping with hurricane relief in Bermuda, Grenada and Cayman.

Premier Alex Scott also paid tribute to Lt. Col. Lamb?s service saying: ?He has become, even at his tender age, a father figure to the men in the ranks.?

Major White, 40, who will formally take over from Lt. Col. Lamb on May 27, was chosen after a lengthy selection process including examination of reports, two sets of interviews and an assessment by outside selectors.

He joined the Regiment 21 years ago, was commissioned as an officer in 1994. He served as Aide-de-Camp to Governors Lord David Waddington and Thorold Masefield from 1996 to 1999 and has also fulfilled the role of Adjutant. A chartered accountant by profession, he is married with three daughters.

?The Promotions Board and I have every confidence that Major White?s extensive experience as a full time officer in the Regiment, combined with his outstanding personal and leadership qualities, will enable him to perform exceptionally well as Commanding Officer,? said Sir John Vereker.

Speaking about his new role, Major White said: ?It does not seem that long ago that I attended Recruit Camp as a young unwilling conscript back in 1985. It is with a hint of sadness that I now accept this appointment as it places a finite period to my service to Bermuda in the Regiment.? He thanked all of those who through his career have ?provided guidance, example, discipline, encouragement and leadership, who have shed sweat and tears, oaths and epithets, in developing character and a sense of duty in this officer you see before you today.?

Lt Col Lamb, 45, said he would look back on his period in charge with pride at the operational successes achieved both at home and abroad.

?I?m also proud of the influence and impact I have had on the community in raising the profile of the Regiment. My legacy will be one of passionate and personal service,? he said. He would not be drawn on what he will do next, other than telling : ?There are a few irons in the fire. Initially, I shall take a period of leave as I have not had a real vacation for four or five years. At the moment my life is completely in my Heavenly Father?s hands.?

An announcement on who will replace Major White as training officer and who will be appointed his Second in Command will be announced ahead of the May change of command ceremony. Major White and Major Brian Gonsalves will remain in these posts until then.