Andrew Murdoch, the new Governor of Bermuda, was sworn in on the grounds of the Cabinet Office this morning.

The former navy commander, who takes over from Rena Lalgie, thanked Bermuda for a warm welcome and pledged to be “approachable and accessible”, to help to uphold the reputation of the island, and to support the emergency services.

Following formalities, including a Royal Salute, a welcome by David Burt and an inspection of Royal Bermuda Regiment troops, the Governor made his first address to members of the community.

Introducing himself as Andrew Peter Murdoch, the Governor said: “I am deeply proud and delighted to be sworn in today.

“It is wonderful that I can share this moment with some of my family who are here with me today.

“While I am new to this place, being surrounded by the ocean feels very familiar.

“I grew up by the coast, was a sea cadet, worked on commercial fishing boats as a teenager and then served in the Royal Navy for two decades.

“I have a great affinity for the sea and island life, and a very high regard for those Bermudians that serve at sea to ensure our safety and security …

“I look forward to working in partnership, in the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, with the elected Government.”

Mr Murdoch echoed the words of David Burt from earlier in the ceremony as he noted that he arrived on the island at an interesting time, given the recent dissolution of Parliament and upcoming General Election.

“We must celebrate and fiercely protect the strong democracy in Bermuda, and the ability of its people to peacefully and freely express their will at the ballot box,” he said.

Having served the Crown as a lawyer for more than 20 years, Mr Murdoch emphasised the importance of good governance in ensuring adherence to the law.

He added: “As such, ensuring lawful decision-making will always be my priority in carrying out my responsibilities including through supporting a strong and independent judiciary.”

Mr Murdoch was the Director of Ocean Policy at the Foreign Office as well as its Legal Director.

Before joining the organisation 13 years ago, Mr Murdoch served in the Royal Navy for more than two decades, reaching the rank of Commander, Head of Operations, Directorate of Naval Legal Services.

He said that ocean conservancy and protecting the environment was important to him.

Mr Murdoch said: “Bermuda, like many small islands, is on the front line of climate and nature crisis.

“Given this, Bermudian stewardship of internationally important and unique ecosystems remains essential.

“I am passionate about supporting the work of those that help to protect the natural environment on which we all depend.

“Climate related and other crises can have immediate and profound effects on small territories. I will therefore be prioritising my time to work with all the emergency and other services in their disaster readiness and resilience work.

“Those services of course include the Royal Bermuda Regiment and I am deeply humbled and proud to be their Commander-in-Chief.”

Promising to be an approachable Governor, he invited charities, organisations and members of the community to contact him.

“Please introduce yourselves and help me to get to know you and this island,” he said.

The Premier said in his welcome that the Governor would be met with the resilience, kindness and pride embedded in Bermuda’s people.

“The mandate of our constitutional arrangement is for Governor and Government to work together,” Mr Burt said.

“We come to our positions by different means and our work is enhanced when we share common goals.

“Those common goals encourage a synergy in the relationship that sees us work together, respecting our differences but not allowing them to detract from our service to the people.

“Your resume suggests that Bermuda will suit you well.

“As a sailor and a lawyer, you will find no shortage of compatriots on those fronts. Both things are things that we do well in Bermuda.”

To close the ceremony, the Premier introduced the Governor to dignitaries, members of the emergency services and other prominent members of the community.

Among those gathered on the lawn of the Cabinet Office were the Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons, Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton and Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice, as well as members of the Cabinet and legal fraternity.

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