UK Defence Attaché Visits Bermuda
The head of British Defence Staff in the US visited Bermuda and held meetings with the Governor and the RBR Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons
A spokesperson said, “A visit to Bermuda by the head of British Defence Staff in the US [BDSUS] allowed the Royal Bermuda Regiment to provide updates on its recent progress and explore ways in which the battalion can be further supported by the UK.
“Rear Admiral Tim Woods, CBE, was on the island last month, when he was hosted by His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, with whom he has an official role as defence advisor.
“As Defence Attaché [DA] at the British Embassy in Washington, R Adm Woods serves as a representative of the UK defence establishment in the US. He is responsible for bilateral military and defence relations.
“His visit to Bermuda allowed formal meetings with the Governor and the RBR Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, both of whom have assumed their positions since the head of BDSUS was last on the island in 2023.
“It presented opportunities for the regiment to update R Adm Woods on progress over the past year and discuss how BDSUS and the UK Ministry of Defence can support the battalion’s training and procurement.
Major Tom Wood, Major Patrick Kwakye, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons, His Excellency Mr. Andrew Murdoch, Rear Admiral Tim Woods CBE, Colonel Alcuin Johnson, Ms. Helena Turner, and Acting Major Jeffery Patterson.
“The visit also allowed the RBR to explore ways in which capacity can be created within the organisation to prepare for the Security and Defence Review announced in the 2025 Throne Speech.”
Lt Col Simons said, “These visits are an important opportunity to strengthen ties with the UK MOD and to talk through the challenges and opportunities the RBR faces as a small unit.
“We have made real progress to create a mechanism for logistical support and we are working to expand the provision of training available to RBR soldiers in the UK.
“The upcoming Security and Defence Review, which was announced in the Throne Speech last month, is a fantastic opportunity for the RBR and Bermuda to take a holistic approach to security and defence, and the visit highlighted ways the UK can support the regiment in this exercise.”
The spokesperson said, “The DA and accompanying staff visited Warwick Camp as well as the RBR Coast Guard base at Scenic House, Sandys.”
The Governor, Andrew Murdoch said, “The visit provided an excellent opportunity to nurture the Regiment’s relationship with the UK MoD.
“The British Defence staff in Washington received excellent briefings, and the surrounding discussions were wide-ranging and identified concrete ways the UK can support the RBR’s activities. This will include its preparation for, and engagement with, the refresh of the 2014 Security and Defence Review.”
Probably not a bad idea given the recent threats made against Panama, Greenland, and Canada.
Gangs in Bermuda are a bigger threat. I suspect that with proper planning, taking over the island is possible – IF the gangs decide to make it happen. Would the UK respond militarily? Coin toss.
I can only imagine the outrage and accusations of colonialism coming from the PLP Government should the U.K. military seek to save us from being over-run by gang violence from Bermuda gangs.
IT IS ALL PART OF HISTORY AND PAGENTRY .
I did not get an invite to the reading of the the Throne Speach , we saw it all on tv .
Some how I could no help but notice the army was present that left me to ask the question why ?
One could not help but be assure they were there for the sake of pageantry or out to prove other wise !
On occasion the British Navy visits Bermuda one can not let that pass to wonder why are they come here.
Is it to show the crew what beautifull island we have or for other reasons.
Well here it is! Bermuda is the Eastern gateway to America to the west.
Bermuda is located in a very stragic location .
I call Bermuda the worlds biggest unsinkable aircraft carrier .
Years ago the Caribbean fleet base was at H,M Dockyard Bermuda or little England it had its own power station as we used to call it, that make you wonder why the navy were there, “U” Bosts ! .
Well ! they would to go out with their Submarine Chaser loaded with role off debth charges we had 6 very fast ships designed to sink German “U” boats .
The cruiser was stationed here in reserve as some of you may remember was H.M.S. Sheffield the cruiser who was part of the fleet that sank the un sinkable the German Battle ship Bismark which was at the time a masive battle ship on her maden voyage they took out the rudder, that was the end.