Deputy Police Commissioner Roseanda Young has accused Government of jumping the gun by "prematurely" publicising her resignation, which she says has not been formally accepted by Government House.

Housing and Public Safety Minister Senator David Burch referred to her tendered resignation during a news conference yesterday on progress within his Ministries.

Last night, a baffled Mrs. Young, told The Royal Gazette: "I've actually requested a retirement. It has to be accepted by the Governor because I have a contract that has not ended yet."

Sen. Burch stated: "I was informed last week that Deputy Commissioner Roseanda Young has tendered her resignation to the Governor effective December 31."

He made this announcement while reporting on the staffing problems within the Bermuda Police Service, which has a shortage of 30 officers, the Minister said.

"I was informed last week," Sen. Burch mentioned, "that Deputy Commissioner Roseanda Young has tendered her resignation to the Governor effective December 31.

"Section 87 of the Bermuda Constitution gives the Governor the power to make an appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, acting after consultation with the Public Service Commission.

"I know that I will have a more formal opportunity to express my thanks personally, to Mrs. Young, but I take this opportunity to publicly thank her for her many years of dedicated service to Bermuda and the Bermuda Police Service." But however sincere the announcement was, Mrs. Young said she would have preferred to be consulted by Sen. Burch first.

"To bring that to the public domain without me even having the permission to resign, I just feel it was inappropriate and felt he should have said something to me.

"I don't think it is appropriate that I announce anything to the service, which I owe an obligation to firstly, or announce anything to the public before me having my permission first." In addition, Mrs. Young said she wanted to "apologise" to the service for not announcing her resignation "at the right time" because she has not received the blessing of Government House.

"I'm sorry that this has come to them in this manner," she added. "I just felt like it was kind of inappropriate for him (Sen. Burch) to do that." Mrs. Young has been in the Police Service for more than 29 years and is the Island's first woman Deputy Police Commissioner, having been appointed in late 2005 after holding the position of Superintendent.

Asked if she wanted to give a reason for the resignation, she added: "It's for personal reasons. There is a time and a season for everything, there's some new things I want to do in my life.

"And I'm now in a position where I can do them, I'm married now and my life has just taken a different turn."

Mrs. Young also shed light on life after the Police Service: "Most people who know me know there will be no second career. I intend to dedicate my life to community service and charity work."

Attempts last night to contact Sen. Burch for a response were not successful.