Premier Dunkley Visits Regiment Boat Troop
Premier and National Security Minister Michael Dunkley joined the Bermuda Regiment’s Boat Troop as they exercised their maritime role during their two weeks annual training.
Mr Dunkley watched the Regiment’s sea-going soldiers chase and halt suspect vessels safely.
Mr Dunkley said: “We got to watch them perform, see how they do their exercises and it’s an opportunity to show my support for the Regiment.”
The Boat Troop this year carried out their annual training on the Island, rather than join their land-based elements at the Canadian Army’s Meaford base in Ontario.
L. Cpl Tyler Smith said: “I’m glad we’re training in Bermuda – it’s our training in our waters and I’ve enjoyed the two weeks.”
The former Royal Navy regular added: “It’s enhancing what I’ve already learned and helps us to do our jobs better.”
Colour Sergeant Leslie Spanswick said: “It’s been a very successful two weeks. It’s aimed at preparing Boat Troop to handle any situation we might have to face in support of our colleagues in the police service.”
A total of 14 boat troop members – twice the full-time complement of the police Marine Section – practised navigation, including at night, swimming, port security, search-and-rescue, beach assaults, oil booming, first aid, and rules of engagement – with tests carried out in all of them.
Clr Sgt Spanswick said: “It’s gone very well – the troops have enjoyed it and we haven’t had any really bad weather either, which is a bonus.”
Regiment Commanding Officer Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown added a professional Boat Troop was an important part of the Island’s defence force, especially in light of the recent National Security and Defence Review, which recommended soldiers taking over the maritime role from police.
Mr Dunkley, with National Security Permanent Secretary Marc Telemaque, a former Regiment officer, visited the troops last Thursday.
Col Foster-Brown said: “Work is ongoing to explore options for a lead Regiment Maritime role so it’s good that the Premier and Minister of National Security can come out and see what we can do.
“Boat Troop is also trained in search and rescue, environmental protection and routinely back up the Bermuda Police Service on the water, particularly during the summer months and it’s a vital component in the Regiment’s role of protecting Bermuda – on land or at sea.”
Great job, keep it up
Deep down inside he’s saying they’re wasting their F&@$ing time!!!!!!!!
Nice to see the regiment wasting money…
779?
Won’t get help with that number.
You seem more like a 911 guy to me.
I would have joined the Regiment if after the mandatory two week camp I was able to join the Marine sector…I don’t know why you need to fulfill a whole year and a bit then hope you can get into the sector you want. Oh well that part of life is over for me so Good luck Regiment!
i take it u have experience on the water but u gotta be a soldier first brah …then ur experience in boating could be an asset for the regiment and use wat u know for the safety of us all…but you gotta be combat ready not just a sea dog.
As another person said, you must complete the mandatory first year training before joining any individual sector of the regiment. This hones your skill set as a soldier. Anyone who is in the regiment, whether full or part time, whether a training officer or clerk, must be a soldier first and foremost. Thus why everyone is required to partake in the fitness tests, weapons tests, first aid and CPR and also rules of engagement testing.
People will always have opinions etc about the regiment. It’s the same with any military unit within a country. Politics will forever be organized chaos. Obviously with Bermuda being small the services of the regiment are questioned more. As I was told when I started as a soldier; “The best way to keep peace is to prepare for war.” This may be an extreme and abstract, but it is still relevant. It’s always easy to comment negatively on something than to support it, and everyone will always have opinions. Whether or not the regiment stays in place, no one truly knows. But the fact of the matter is that it IS in place right now. So why not support it… But hey, that’s only my opinion. You are entitled to one also…
The king of photo ops marches on. All style and no substance.
cha!…ur wrong all round today aint u..? “style”..? don make me laaff…”no substance”..? well he sure had enough to live the life he lives…now wat about you ..hmm?
So true, i said it before, stay in your office and get somereal work done mike !!!!
“what if” he was in parliament instead making a fool of himself and the country?
Carry on please M.D.