Regiment sword passed on to new CO

Hundreds of spectators watched yesterday as new Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown took over the sword of command.

Governor George Fergusson accepted the sword from outgoing CO Lt Col Brian Gonsalves, who stepped down after four years in charge at Warwick Camp and 25 years as an officer, and passed it to the new CO, a British Army career officer from The Rifles.

Mr Fergusson, the Commander-in-Chief of the Regiment, told Col Gonsalves: “You are handing to the new Commander an organisation in first class shape.

“I’m also very pleased that we have in the new Commander someone with a very impressive military record and who, from the dealings I have had since he arrived in Bermuda, has already fallen in love with the place.”

Mr Fergusson said the new CO faced both “challenges and opportunities” with the potential end to conscription and a defence review.

But he added: “The state of the Regiment at the moment is a tribute to your outgoing Commanding Officer. Today marks the end of his active service career in the Regiment, a career which has spanned command at every level.”

Col Foster-Brown said: “My vision for the Regiment is an operationally effective organisation with expanded roles, working closely in support of the Bermuda Police Service at the heart of – and in the hearts of – Bermudian society, with an ever-increasing number of volunteers, respected at home and abroad, whose contribution to the security and betterment of Bermuda universally acknowledged and a Regiment which as a result has a secure future.”

He added: “Over the next few years, though, the Regiment faces a number of challenges. These include the forthcoming security review, financial restraint and a potential change to way in which recruits are enlisted. I am confident though, as we move forward, building on the legacy of Colonel Brian and his predecessors, that we have the right team in place and have a compelling story to tell.”

He added that a $300 bounty will be introduced for volunteers – a “small but symbolic payment to acknowledge the step the individual has taken by volunteering to help protect and serve his community.”

Col Gonsalves told the assembled troops and guests that campaigners against conscription had presented challenges during the first two years of his command.

He added: “The simple face remains that in order for the Regiment to effectively carry out its roles, we require sufficient boots on the ground.”

Col Gonsalves said the Regiment had reduced in size from more than 600 soldiers two decades ago to around 400 now.

But he added: “Our duties and what we train for have not diminished to the same extent, either in scope or in relevance.

“And to those who question what real value we bring to the table in terms of ensuring the safety and security of Bermuda and her people, I would simply say ‘do your homework’. History is crystal clear that we have and the ever-changing and uncertain world we live in dictates that we will in the future.”

And he called on Government House and Government to push forward the modernisation of the Regiment and its role, especially by ensuring the full transfer of Coast Guard responsibilities and maritime security.

The change of command took place in a ceremony echoing hundreds of years of military tradition when Col Gonsalves handed over the sword to the Governor, who then passed it on to Col Foster-Brown.

The ceremony was also watched by Premier Craig Cannonier and National Security Minister Michael Dunkley, as well as by former Commanding Officers. In addition, officers and ratings from HMS Lancaster, which is docked in Hamilton, were also invited.