Home Affairs Minister David Burch yesterday highlighted the benefits of both men and women joining the Bermuda Regiment.

The Senator – a former Regiment Commander – responded to Governor Sir Richard Gozney's call for more efforts to be made to attract women to sign up.

"For more than 40 years the Bermuda Regiment has boasted a proud tradition of service to the people of this country," Sen. Burch told The Royal Gazette.

"Thousands of men who have entered the Regiment on both a conscripted and voluntary basis, have come through its ranks fully trained and disciplined in both life and military skills.

"This is also true for the many women who have entered the Regiment on a voluntary basis. Public service in every aspect of community life should be both encouraged and applauded.

"And as we approach the 44th anniversary of the Bermuda Regiment, I want to encourage those men and women who have an interest in serving this Country, to consider volunteering with the Bermuda Regiment, because in my opinion, there is nothing nobler and more rewarding than service to one's country."

Meanwhile, present Commander Lt. Col. William White said The Royal Gazette article quoting Sir Richard had "stirred some last minute interest", although he would not say how much.

Asked for a response to Sir Richard's comment on recruiting women, Lt. Col. White criticised Bermudians Against the Draft founder Larry Marshall's complaints over pay and mistreatment.

Lt. Col. White said new recruits, volunteers or conscripts, male or female, will earn $1,899 for their 15-day camp, which he said was "by no means low pay, is public knowledge as the pay scale is public information, and corresponds to a daily rate of $126.62".

He said interested female or male volunteers should call 238-1045 but did not reply when asked for an expanded comment urging people to come forward.

It is thought three women are among the 170 new recruits preparing for Recruit Camp 2009 on Sunday morning.

What do you think? Should more women be involved? E-mail tsmith@royalgazette.bm.