An assessment of the island’s security and defence status across land, air and the maritime environment has begun to help shape future plans and budgets, it was announced this afternoon.

Government House and the Government said that the cyber arena and critical national infrastructure will also be covered in the security and defence review, which was a 2025 Throne Speech commitment.

The assessment will revisit the 2014 National Security and Defence Review in an effort to make sure that the island’s “security arrangements remain fit for purpose in a changing environment”, they added.

A statement released through the Government’s communications department said that the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, and Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security had “developed a review mechanism that will undertake a co-ordinated, cross-domain assessment of Bermuda’s security and defence posture”.

It added: “The review will bring together key stakeholders from across Bermuda’s national security architecture, including representatives from the uniformed services, air and marine operations, and cybersecurity.

“The review team will also be consulting with UK military and security experts and will hold discussions with the US authorities.

“The process is intended to support a coherent, inclusive approach that reflects established international standards and best practice.”

Derrick Binns, a former Head of the Public Service, is chairman of the security and defence review panel.

Members include Catherine Duffy, a trailblazer in insurance, Michael DeSilva, the Ombudsman, Captain Alan Brooks, who was a Royal Navy helicopter pilot and later commanding officer of HMS London, Calvin Smith, an awarded police officer who retired after more than 40 years service in 2021, Major Stephen Caton, a consultant with a background in the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and intern Seon Tatem, a law graduate.

The review’s primary mandate is to:

• Validate and assess risk registers and documentation provided by agencies and the Ministry of National Security

• Assess and make recommendations across key operational domains, focusing on uniformed services and their ability to respond to Bermuda’s security and defence risks

• Identify and recommend options for investments, organisational reforms, and capability and capacity enhancements

• Review national security and defence governance and oversight and, as appropriate, make recommendations to improve structures

• Prepare a final report with clear costed recommendations

The statement added: “The SDR will provide recommendations to Government House and the Cabinet for consideration.

“The process will conclude with a final report setting out strategic priorities and key implementation considerations for the future.”

The report is due in September 2026.