The commanding officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment is absent from his job, but John Rankin, the Governor, has refused to reveal the reason why.

Government House confirmed to The Royal Gazette that Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley was “currently on leave”.

However, Mr Rankin, the regiment’s commander-in-chief, declined to answer questions on Colonel Curley’s sudden absence from his post.

A spokeswoman said: “In line with established policy, Government House does not comment on personnel issues.”

Captain Paolo Odoli, the regiment’s adjutant, said: “I can confirm that the CO is on leave. Any further questions should be directed to Government House.”

Major Ben Beasley, the regiment’s second in command, is acting CO in Colonel Curley’s absence. He also referred questions to Government House.

Some of the Governor’s responsibilities in relation to the regiment, including budget, recruitment and answers to parliamentary questions, are deferred to Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security.

Questions put to Mr Caines yesterday, via the Department of Communications, received no response.

A spokeswoman said: “Any matters regarding the commanding officer of the RBR should be referred to Government House, as the remit of the RBR falls under Government House.”

Colonel Curley became the sixteenth commanding officer of the regiment in February 2016.

He is understood to have gone on leave at some point last month.