Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Randy Horton signalled his support for new Regiment Commanding Officer William White in the wake of criticism of his appointment from fellow Minister David Burch.

Sen. Burch sparked controversy on Wednesday when he said Governor Sir John Vereker should be recalled for allowing Lt. Col. White to be chosen by a defence board headed by a civilian, Garry Madeiros. A former Regiment Commander himself, Sen. Burch said the selection process had unjustly overlooked the most suitable candidate for ?political and personal reasons? and called for Mr. Madeiros to be removed from his position.

?The person who won every contest they had is not the CO today,? he said.

On Thursday, Mr. Madeiros strongly refuted the Senator?s comments and sprung to Lt. Col. White?s defence. On Friday, Mr. Horton took his turn to stand behind his appointment to the top job. ?This young man who?s risen through to the heights of the Regiment needs to be commended by this House,? said Mr. Horton who talked the members through his long list of military qualifications and achievements.

?Lieutenant Colonel White is adequately prepared and qualified to be the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment. I would ask that congratulations be sent to him and for him to know that he has my support and the Governor?s support and that we wish him every success,? he added.

Other MPs from both sides of the House followed in congratulating Lt. Col. White and praising the Regiment for the success of the change of command ceremony at which he took over the reins from Lt. Col. Edward Lamb.