The purchasing power of Bermuda’s defence force got a welcome boost after the Ministry of National Security and Britain’s Ministry of Defence signed a deal on the purchasing of kit and equipment for the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

The Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement will enable efficiencies, savings and improved quality control by allowing the RBR to purchase directly from the MOD and its authorised vendors.

It covers provisions such as food, clothing and communication equipment as well as transportation, medical kit, spare parts and maintenance services.

Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, the RBR Commanding Officer, said: “What that means is that we can get equipment of an approved standard at the lowest cost possible rather than working through brokers or purchasing equipment and clothing on the open market.”

He added that the move would save the Regiment “a great deal of time and effort”.

Despite falling under the British Army’s order of battle from a ceremonial perspective, the practical reality of the regiment’s role as a stand-alone unit in terms of day-to-day operations has presented it with procurement challenges over the years.

Talks with British Defence Staff in Washington, where the MOD is represented in the United States, led to the agreement.

Colonel Simons highlighted the work of Major Thomas Wood, the RBR’s second-in-command and executive officer, in helping see the deal through.

He added: “We’ve settled on a fairly straightforward document that represents a demonstration of the UK’s support to the regiment and defence in Bermuda.”

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor and the RBR’s Commander-in-Chief, said: “I’m delighted that this important agreement has been finalised.

“It will provide an excellent mechanism to use the strength of the UK Armed Forces’ supply chain to help Bermuda.

“My thanks to all those involved in its drafting. It is so good that other Overseas Territories are looking to use it as a template for their military contingents.”

A Ministry of National Security spokesman commended Colonel Simons and said the ministry was “extremely pleased that this agreement has been reached, as it represents significant benefits for the Royal Bermuda Regiment in particular, and Bermuda in general”.