Youth Service will offer alternative to Regiment

FRIDAY, NOV. 4: Alternatives to service in the Bermuda Regiment are set to be introduced in the new Parliamentary session.

While conscription will continue, Government is to table legislation allowing for alternatives to military service — including the introduction of a National Youth Service.

And the government will review a recent decision by the Privy Council in London, which rejected claims by anti-draft campaigners that compulsory service was discriminatory because only men are called up.

Delivering the Throne Speech today, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said that Government will look at the Privy Council’s judgment “to take account of any inconsistencies in any discriminatory provisions”.

Soldiers who fall foul of service law will also get more protection.

Sir Richard said: “A comprehensive review has been completed and recommendations made to improve access to natural justice for those soldiers who find themselves subject to disciplinary procedures.

“An improved framework for internal military discipline will provide for an election of mode and trial venue in certain circumstances.”