Bermuda came a step closer to getting its own coast guard after a US visit by Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister.

He visited the US Coast Guard base at Maryport, Florida late last month on the way home from the Caribbean Labour Ministers Meeting.

He told the House of Assembly yesterday: "There is a very strong possibility the Government of Bermuda will be able to acquire a 41-foot boat from the US Coast Guard for the Regiment's Boat troop as part of the Bases clean-up agreement."

He said he and Regiment Commanding Officer designate Eddie Lamb were given a tour of the base and a brief on the 41-foot cutter before being taken on board the vessel for a detailed and lengthy practical demonstration of its abilities.

He said: "This experience led me to believe that should the possible acquisition of a Coast Guard boat pan out, this class of vessel would be ideal for the Regiment and could considerably enhance Bermuda's maritime capability.

"Certainly a training and maintenance programme would be needed and would form part of such an agreement."

The Bermudian delegation also visited the Florida National Guard's Training Area at Camp Blanding, about an hour's drive south west of Jacksonville which Mr. Lister said could be an alternative to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina which the Regiment visit every two years.

He said: "The Regiment has determined that it is more viable to establish a camp facility where the weather and other logistical considerations are more in accordance with the Regiment's training needs."

He said the Camp Blanding Training Area had 72,000 acres.

He said: "In the Regiment's estimation, Camp Blanding's more southerly location makes it a more suitable venue for the Regiment Camp in March.

He said: "Camp Blanding is clearly an ideal venue for the Bermuda Regiment to conduct training and I believe that the ensuing relationship with the Florida National Guard also has the potential to be beneficial not only for The Regiment, but for all Bermuda also."