several weeks.

The official change of command ceremony was due to take place on Saturday, but the Regiment confirmed on Friday that the event was now set for July 15.

It is understood one of the reasons for the delay was that Premier Jennifer Smith could not attend the weekend ceremony.

Friday, Major Eddie Lamb said a number of factors had contributed to make it more conducive to move the ceremony -- when current Commanding Officer Lt.

Col. Patrick Outerbridge hands over to incoming CO Major David Gibbons, to July.

"Lots of things conspired to make it more prudent to delay,'' said Maj. Lamb.

And he said he could neither confirm or deny whether the possible absence of the Premier was one of the reasons.

But he added that a "massive'' Commanding Officer testing exercise was also taking place that weekend.

The handing over ceremony will involve the whole Bermuda Regiment and Governor Thorold Masefield.

There will also be a salute to former Commanding Officers.