Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister yesterday praised the Bermuda Regiment for its involvement in the International Military Assistance Training Team (IMATT) project in the West African country of Sierra Leone.

And he revealed that Bermuda will have a stronger presence within the multi-national team in the future.

In a statement delivered to the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr. Lister recognised two Bermudian soldiers for their participation as full time instructors within IMATT. Major Brian Gonsalves served from November 2001 to May 2002, while Warrant Officer Gavin Raynor is currently in Sierra Leone and will return next month.

Their tours of duty helped IMATT's mission to advise the Sierra Leonian army and government. IMATT, which is accompanying the UN's peace keeping mission in the war torn country, implements foreign officers like Gonsalves and Raynor, in training local soldiers in modern military practices.

Mr. Lister expressed approval of the Bermuda Regiment's involvement in the international arena, saying: "The Regiment personnel return as professionally matured soldiers having undertaken real and practical tasks.

"Hands-on experience in a non-combat, operational setting cannot be learned at Warwick Camp"

Mr. Lister went on to reveal that the Regiment will be increasing its participation in Sierra Leone. Instead of one Bermudian officer serving at a time, two officers will serve simultaneously, a move which was approved by the IMATT commander.

Mr. Lister said: "IMATT greatly appreciates the assistance of the Bermuda Regiment and it is abundantly clear that Warrant Officer Raynor is doing an outstanding job."

Colour Sergeant Gavin Lee will be relieving Warrant Officer Raynor of his duties this coming June.