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Government seeks to put Regiment to better use

Government is looking to make better use out of the Bermuda Regiment to help relieve some pressure from the Police Service.Speaking yesterday to expand elements included in the Throne Speech, National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said that changes will be coming to the Regiment.Noting that conscription has survived challenges in the highest courts, Mr Perinchief said that he intends to lead debates on amendments to the Defense Act.“My aim is to develop a greater and more diverse role for a full time component of the Regiment,” he said.“This will relieve the Police of some tasks, and allow them to focus on their core function. From this initiative, we hope to gain better trained, more motivated men and women in both organisations and better service to the public at large.”He also said that changes have been recommended to the Defense Act to provide a better framework for disciplinary action.Mr Perinchief also discussed legislation aimed at tackling the Island’s gangs, such as harsher penalties for gang-related offences and expanding the ability to seize proceeds of crime.“We must take the profit and benefit out of the criminal lifestyle, and dealing with property will hit at the heart of criminal enterprise,” he said.“The quality of life we enjoy has been achieved through hard work and innovation. This Government will not allow a minority to interfere with the basic right to safe communities.”He also reiterated that Government is working to implement a “Bermudianised” version of Operation Ceasefire and continued work with the Inter-Agency Gang Task Force.“We are on the cusp of identifying a gang mediator who will operate free from any agency mandate to facilitate what we understand to be the genuine desire of those gang members who want to get out,” he said.He additionally promised additional resources for the Police Complaints Authority to investigate matters.