The Reserve Police Commandants World Conference began business at the Sonesta Beach Hotel yesterday.

And Bermuda's Reserve Police commandant Eugene Vickers hopes to use the occasion to help build a worldwide association.

It is the first time anyone in the region has hosted the conference.

The week-long gathering opened at Sonesta Beach Hotel with speeches from Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister, Governor Sir John Vereker, Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith and Mr. Vickers.

Mr. Vickers said although Police Reserves were valued by Mr. Smith, elsewhere in the world the concept was under threat despite putting in a lot of effort to help secure their communities.

He said: "In some parts of Europe, they are trying to cut them out. We are hoping to form a global association so that doesn't happen."

Mr. Vickers has spent 38 years in the Reserves and is the longest serving member of either the regular Police or Reserves.

He said there were 133 reserves but the number fluctuated. He said: "We don't mind losing them if it's to go to the regular force."

Mr. Vereker said Bermuda's geographical isolation meant that local emergency forces had a great importance in a national crisis because they had to cope alone until help arrived.

He said local Reserves were proud of their 50 years of service and they were fully integrated in the structure of the Force.

Mr. Lister said he hoped the conference would help strengthen the network of Reserve Police between countries and lead to information sharing, a thought echoed by Mr. Smith.

Conference topics include stress management and disaster planning. The theme of the conference is 'Active Citizens - Strong Communities'.

Over 70 delegates from all over the globe are expected to attend, including representatives from England, Wales, Canada, Germany, the US and a large contingent from the Bahamas.