Soldiers from the Bermuda Regiment are set for an early return from the Turks and Caicos Islands after successfully completing their mission ahead of time.

Up to 43 soldiers and nine Parks Department staff flew out to Grand Turk on September 16 to get the country's infrastructure back up and running following the devastation from Hurricane Ike.

The deployment was initially planned as the first of two contingents – the second to arrive two weeks later, but the troops worked so hard, they completed their tasks within the first fortnight. The families of Regiment soldiers and Parks staff can now expect them home today.

Major Stephen RO Caton, Bermuda Regiment spokesman, said: "It was initially estimated that the rehabilitation and recovery operation would last up to four weeks, yet with all critical mission objectives accomplished, the first contingent are set to withdraw early.

"In addition, the second relief contingent of twenty three is being stood down today and will no longer deploy."

Major George Jones, Contingent Commander, said: "Our men have worked extremely hard and remained focused on the tasks at hand. While everyone put in a great deal of effort, I am confident that they also gained a huge sense of personal accomplishment."

The soldiers helped to repair school buildings, government offices and the Islands' hospital. They also cleared government land of debris, re-erected a security fence at the island's port terminal and repaired a reverse osmosis plant.

Parks staff meanwhile, cleared roads and public areas of fallen trees and storm debris, including the National Arboretum. Together with the Department of Coastal Resources they also restored one of the coastal areas key to TCI's tourism industry.

Senior Regiment personnel and David Tingley of Bermuda's Parks Department provided advice and assistance at key policy meetings chaired by TCI's Governor, Gordon Wetherell, and TCI Public Safety Minister, Galmo Williams.

Mark Capes, Deputy Governor for Bermuda, said: "The Bermuda Regiment and Parks Department volunteers were able to complete the priority tasks assigned to them more quickly than envisaged, and impressed everyone with their energy and enthusiasm.

"I commend them for their public spirit and for the fine way in which they represented their country overseas."

Mr. Capes added: "Thanks also go to the employers here in Bermuda who were willing to release them to assist with this important humanitarian operation. And of course we must acknowledge and thank the US Coast Guard for assisting so generously with the airlift to and from the Turks and Caicos Islands."

Regiment soldier Private Omar Martin said: "I am happy to have helped out the people on Grand Turk, but am looking forward to coming home."