Bermudians are used to seeing Director of Music Major Barrett Dill in front whenever and wherever the Bermuda Regiment Band appears, and they take for granted the fact that he does a sterling job, but nothing gets taken for granted at Warwick Camp ? least of all by its Commanding Officer, Colonel Edward Lamb.

Which is why Major Dill has just been named 'Outstanding Officer of the Year' from a list of nominees ? thanks to the Colonel's deciding vote.

"The award is presented annually by the Commanding Officer to an officer who has established himself as worthy of the recognition throughout the year," Colonel Lamb said.

"Major Dill was one of a number of people who were nominated, and the final decision rests with me. Major Dill earned the award, by and large, because of his valiant efforts in preparing the Band for the Edinburgh Tattoo, which was a major undertaking, as well as for his leadership during the Hurricane Fabian recovery effort."

The "absolutely surprised and delighted" Director of Music said he understood he had been recommended for the award by the officers of the regiment, which he found "extremely pleasant", and he stressed that in accepting it, he did so "on behalf of the members of the Bermuda Regiment Band, who have worked very hard under my direction for the period I have been in command, and who have been an absolute joy to conduct".

Major Dill has recently been succeeded as Bandmaster by Warrant Officer Dwight Robinson, but continues in his post as Director of Music until his planned retirement in 2005.