The ranks of Bermuda’s emergency services could be bolstered by more than 100 new recruits in the coming year, according to the Minister of National Security.

At a press conference yesterday outlining his ministry’s finances for the coming year, Michael Weeks said that further funding had been set aside to pay for equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

The ministry has an operational budget of $137,759,000 for the next 12 months, with an additional $8,160,375 dedicated to capital funding — figures that, Mr Weeks said, “represent a strategic investment in our personnel, infrastructure and technology”.

The Bermuda Police Service have been allocated more than $65 million, with an additional $1,600,000 for capital projects.

Mr Weeks said: “Our investment in the BPS will enable the recruitment of 30 new police officers to fill vacant posts, fund essential upgrades to the police headquarters at Prospect, and add to its vehicle fleet and IT infrastructure.

“These measures will ensure that our police service remains equipped to protect our community.”

Mr Weeks delivered his statement outside police headquarters at Prospect, which is undergoing extensive renovation work and “crucial repairs”.

“As you can see, repairs are already under way, and the Ministry of Public Works is assisting with the project,” the minister said.

The Department of Customs has been given $18 million, part of which will be used to fill 20 posts that will “enhance security at our ports through improved cruise ship enforcement, export control and compliance”.

Up to 36 new prison officers could be hired by the Department of Corrections, which has a $25 million operational costs budget this year.

A further $1,960,000 for capital improvements will be spent on upgrading security at the Westgate Correctional Facility.

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service will receive nearly $17 million for operations and $3,602,860 in capital funding.

Mr Weeks said: “This funding will support the recruitment of 15 new firefighters and the purchase of four new trucks that are being specifically designed for the BFRS team at the LF Wade International Airport.

“These new trucks will replace ageing trucks and greatly enhance our emergency response capabilities at the airport.”

Mr Weeks said that two cybersecurity posts will be filled to combat the increasing risk of cyber attacks.

The appointments follow on from last September’s cyberattack in which the Government’s information technology systems were compromised.

A Disaster Co-ordinator will be appointed to work with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team, which is responsible for bringing together multiple government agencies to plan for and mitigate against any potential disaster.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment is set to receive $8,827,121, plus $949,000 in capital funding for the construction of a coastguard shed and the completion of a hurricane-preparedness shelter, which will “significantly enhance our disaster response capabilities”.

The Government has also set aside cash for a uniformed services training programme to prepare candidates for deployment in the emergency services, “ensuring we have a pipeline of capable and ready personnel”.

Mr Weeks concluded: ”When you combine the recruitment plans of all of our unformed agencies, it means more than 100 positions will be needed, providing opportunities for Bermudians looking to start a career within our uniformed services.

“This budget indicates the Government's dedication to the safety and security of Bermuda and its citizens.

“Through these funding allocations, we are strengthening our national security infrastructure and ensuring that we remain prepared and resilient in the face of any challenges to the stability of our country.”