called before a commission due to convene next month.

Deputy Governor Tim Gurney revealed that the inquiry -- sparked by the handling of the Rebecca Middleton murder case -- would have the power to subpoena witnesses from within Bermuda's jurisdiction.

He said the Commission of Inquiry into Serious Crimes would set its own agenda as to who it wanted to hear from.

"The Governor appoints people, they decide how they go and who they see, it is up to them,'' he said.

The inquiry could last up to six weeks, with between two and four weeks open to the public.

A report will then be passed to Governor Thorold Masefield by mid-September.

Mr. Gurney said it was not yet decided what would happen with any recommendations contained in the report. He said there might be things to look at when the report was finished.

"You can be sure any recommendations will be taken very seriously,'' he said.

The parents of Rebecca Middleton, who was raped and stabbed to death at Ferry Reach four years ago, have both welcomed the inquiry but are hoping their daughter's case will not be diluted in the investigation.

GOVERNOR GOV CRIME CRM