Security agencies face radical shake-up

A radical overhaul of Bermuda’s security and defence agencies is in store to eliminate “expensive duplication”, National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief said yesterday.

The review will take in the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, HM Customs, Border Control and Marine and Ports.

“Often there are overlaps in some of the security and defence areas covered by these agencies,” Mr Perinchief said.

“While these overlaps can be justified by necessary technical or jurisdictional factors, financial prudence dictates that these services be reviewed to ensure there is no expensive duplication of capital investment or roles.

“With the Regiment poised to assume an increased maritime security role, and several other services in need of new equipment, it is appropriate that a review now be conducted to determine what Bermuda needs to continue to be well equipped to deal with both man-made and natural threats and challenges.”

A committee to be struck to conduct the review will be chaired by a civilian but will consist of the Deputy Governor, the Permanent Secretary of National Security and representatives of each of the uniformed services.

Te Minister said that those conducting the review “should be able to think radically and to some extent independently of institutional inclinations to minimise change or jurisdictional borderlines.”

He said he said he would expect the committee to produce a report within six months of being named.

Government’s Throne Speech last week indicated that it would end conscription by making the Regiment a full-time force.

Mr Perinchief said: “Ending conscription is a nod to the change in role for the Regiment that this Government will continue to devise in consultation with all affected parties.

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Article and image courtesy of The Royal Gazette Online, written by Ayo Johnson.