Boasting flexibility and creativity, the Bermuda Regiment revealed how it managed to cut more than $200,000 from its annual budget.

Delaying the replacement of two loan service officers who end their tour of duty with the Bermuda Regiment in June has represented a savings of $100,000 on the Regiment's budget.

But the posts have not been terminated, according to Adjutant Major Edward Lamb.

"In actuality, what we have decided is to gap the replacement and not scrap the posts entirely,'' he said. "The two loan officers who end their tour of duty in June will not be replaced for six months to a year.'' Major Lamb said the move was prompted "by an edict from the Minister to cut the budget by five percent''. He also noted that "tens of thousands of dollars will be saved'' as the Regiment makes fewer overseas trips with more recruits.

Pointing out that two trips of two weeks normally take place yearly to train recruits in Jamaica, Major Lamb noted that a single trip with all the recruits will now take place.

The savings will be seen primarily in airfares as Government normally pay for two charter flights to take the troops down. Under the new plan, one larger plane will be used.