With the commencement of the 2014 Recruit Camp for The
Bermuda Regiment, the PLP today renewed its pledge to end conscription in
Bermuda.
Shadow Minister for Community, Cultural Development and
Sport Michael Weeks said, “While the OBA refused to collaborate with the PLP on
a Bill we brought forward to abolish conscription, we remain committed to
seeing an end to the practice of drafting young men into the Regiment in
2014. It is unacceptable for there to be another year of OBA inaction on
this issue. The people want progress, not more promises and we intend to move
Bermuda forward by ending this outdated practice."
Shadow Minister for Public Safety Michael Scott said,” The
role of the Bermuda Regiment in regards to internal security and disaster relief
is critical and its transformation into a volunteer organization must be
handled in a manner that not only maintains, but improves the effectiveness of
the Bermuda Regiment. As Shadow Minister with responsibility for the
Bermuda Regiment, I understand that there is nothing more profound than the
Heart of the Volunteer. I believe that this view is widely understood and
that a volunteer Regiment has huge benefits for Bermuda. The PLP envisions a
leaner volunteer driven Regiment that creates opportunities and careers for
young Bermudians. Let's end the practice of conscription and get on with moving
Bermuda forward."
Shadow Minister Scott added,” For this Recruit Camp, I would
be very interested to know how many volunteers have responded to the Regiment's
recent and widely disseminated advertisement campaign and offer of a cash
incentive. Colonel Foster-Brown is to be commended for spearheading this
strategy and we look forward to seeing more ideas to increase volunteerism."
In 2013, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party tabled the
Abolition of Conscription Bill fulfilling the Party's 2012 Throne Speech pledge
to end the draft. The OBA government refused to allow the bill to move forward,
delaying the abolition of conscription.