Jamaica because he did not have a passport.

Aldred Jason Marcos, of North Cote West, Spanish Point, pleaded guilty in Magistrate's Court yesterday to two counts of failing to attend military duties and was given a suspended prison sentence.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said Marcos was absent for various military duties between February 25 and May 15, which included a 15-day Jamaica trip.

The 21-year-old soldier told Magistrate Will Francis he spoke with his commanding officer several times during a 14-week period as he tried to obtain a passport prior to the unit's departure.

Marcos said his commanding officer told him that command would take care of it and get back to him -- but did not.

"It was not necessary to be in possession of a passport to get into Jamaica,'' Major Eddie Lamb told the court.

"If he had just shown up at the airport, he would have known that.'' And Marcos claimed he did not attend duty regularly between February and May because he was a self-employed painting contractor and was in debt at the time.

But Mr. Francis stated: "That wasn't a good business decision, since you'd be deeper in debt in prison. You've got to realise that the Bermuda Regiment isn't the Boy Scouts.'' Mr. Francis gave Marcos a two months prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

"I want you to understand what a suspended sentence is. If you ever come before the court again for 12 months of similar charges, you will go to prison for more than two months because of the additional charges as well,'' Mr.

Francis added.