Royal Bermuda Regiment Hold Battalion Night
Members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment had the opportunity to socialise and collectively recognise the unit’s achievements at a Battalion Night on Thursday.
Soldiers who were promoted during the event at Warwick Camp “highlighted how the RBR helps people to develop personally and professionally as they learn new skills.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Beasley, the Regiment’s Commanding Officer, said: “The battalion event is my favourite night of the year for the unit and you can feel the surge in morale.
“It is a chance to remind all our personnel what we have achieved as a unit, but also to conduct public promotions, which is the most gratifying of all my duties.
“We also pause for a minute when we read aloud the names of former soldiers who have died over the past year.
“It shows our respect for those who served before us, but it also helps remind the troops that you may finish your service, but you will always be remembered in camp.”
Lance Corporal Ronesha James-Dill was promoted from Private after she took part in the tough Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers cadre. The 21-year-old, a warehouse assistant from Pembroke who joined the Regiment in 2021, said: “The most challenging part for me was dropping my old behaviours and having to mature.
“It has definitely changed me for the better, it helped me become a better woman overall. There is always room to grow and I hope moving up through the ranks helps me do that.”
LCpl James-Dill has her sights set on one day becoming a drill instructor and spoke of how the RBR provided a sense of unity that she was unable to find during her high school years in England.
She said: “With Regiment, we are all the same. We wear the same thing, we bleed the same and we’re all there for similar purposes.
“It’s the first time that I’ve actually felt included in something without being segregated for things out of my control, hence why I love and will always love drill.”
Sergeant Nigel Lee, 31, who was promoted from Corporal, noted that the Regiment offers guidance in self-improvement – both in and out of the unit – opportunities for travel, and good remuneration.
On his change in rank, the ZipX clearance agent, from Sandys, said: “I’m very excited. I’ve worked very hard to get this promotion, I’m going to enjoy it.
“I’m looking forward to the experience that will come with it and learning new things – that’s the main thing.”
Among those promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal was Leeann Medeiros, a minibus driver in her civilian life who is a member of the RBR Coast Guard.
The 31-year-old, from Sandys, offered a message to people who might consider joining the Regiment: “If you’re looking to expand your extended family and learn new skills, even looking for assistance with your personal goals, it’s a great place to be.”
Lt Col Beasley said the organisation had this year “navigated through challenges with resilience and teamwork”.
He added: “The RBR Coast Guard’s remarkable growth in competency underscores our expanding operational capabilities.
“Through A Company, the RBR’s expertise in public order and force protection training marks us as the preferred training delivery unit in the Caribbean, highlighting our ability to project influence beyond our size.
“For the first time in our history, and largely attributable to the ceremonial professionalism in B Company, we marched as part of the British Army’s Order of Battle for the King’s Coronation parade in London with one of our Colours while continuing to be the centre of national ceremonial events.
“Training Company ensures that new recruits receive the best training possible while also facilitating leadership, command and technical training for all personnel throughout their military careers.
“The Regiment’s commitment to the community and the nurturing of future leaders through the Junior Leaders programme reflects its dedication to societal development and youth engagement.
“Our involvement in Exercise Tradewinds required moving 150 soldiers to Guyana, with all the right equipment and providing the medical, transport, feeding and accommodation required for a gruelling two weeks, which the Logistics Company executed with excellence.”
“He noted that the RBR’s success is largely attributable to its officers’ and soldiers’ dedication and skill, and would not be possible without the unwavering support of their families and employers.
The Commanding Officer added: “I hope the wider community will take time over the many social gatherings this festive season to hear from a soldier what they enjoy about the Royal Bermuda Regiment. There has never been a better time to join us. For more information or to join, visit bermudaregiment.bm or call 238-1045.”
The following soldiers received substantive promotions:
- Cpl Nigel Lee Sgt
- A/Sgt McClaren Smith Sgt
- A/Sgt Sarena Zuill Sgt
- LCpl Taye Fishington Cpl
- LCpl Azhar Morrissey Cpl
- LCpl Melanie Gauntlett Cpl
- LCpl Leeann Medeiros Cpl
- LCpl JD Symonds Cpl
- LCpl Joliza Vanderpool Cpl
- LCpl Taylor Williams Cpl
- Pte Scott Brown LCpl
- Pte Ronesha James-Dill LCpl
- Pte Sebastian Knox LCpl
The following soldiers received acting promotions:
- Cpl Dornielle Farrel A/Sgt
- A/Sgt Irving Forde A/Sgt
- Cpl Steven Skinner A/Sgt
- Cpl Kevin Darrell A/Cpl
- LCpl Micheal Fuhrtz-Swain A/Cpl
- LCpl Damon Hollis A/Cpl
- LCpl Collin Stewart A/Cpl
- Pte Donovan Burgess A/LCpl
- Pte Jason Coke A/LCpl
- Pte Zen-Paul Pacheco A/LCpl
