National Security And Defence Review Tabled

Mr. Speaker, let me first thank you and Honourable Members for the indulgence of the House in the tabling of this Report, its accompanying Motion and the delivery of this ministerial statement.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that His Excellency the Governor appointed a National Security and Defence Review Committee on 22nd May 2013.

The Committee’s mandate was, briefly stated, to undertake a fundamental review of Bermuda’s national security needs, to assess the resources required to meet those needs and to make recommendations on the structures and organization required.

Mr. Speaker, the Committee was chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills and comprised the late, Honourable Member Mrs. Louise Jackson, Major George Jones, Mrs. Cheryl-Ann Lister, Mr. Ralph Richardson and former Commissioner of Police Mr. Jonathan Smith.

Mr. Speaker, I have consistently indicated that this Report would be tabled in this Honourable House for the consideration and debate of Honourable Members. I am pleased therefore to table the Report and a Motion inviting this House to take note of its contents.

Mr. Speaker, I do so on this last day of meeting so that the House will have the opportunity to consider it during our well-earned 7 week recess.

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of National Security continues to consider the Report which contains some significant analysis and recommendations.

The Service Chiefs are concurrently reviewing its contents and in conjunction with Government House the Government will more clearly set out its position in the coming weeks.

Mr. Speaker, this Report is an independent analysis of the areas considered by the Committee and there are some recommendations that have far-reaching consequences and require careful consideration in the Bermudian context.

However, this Government is committed to best practice in national security and where changes and improvements are required, they will be made.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the Chairman, the Committee and the technical officers who manned the Secretariat for their work and for the production of this comprehensive document.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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