A member of the Royal Bermuda Regiment who enlisted more than 25 years ago will become its next Commanding Officer, Government House announced yesterday.

Major Duncan Simons will take over the role from Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Beasley on June 1.

An announcement was made on the Government House Facebook page.

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, said: “The regiment plays a key role in ensuring the safety and security of Bermuda both on land and on water, and Major Simons’s experience, gained from within the regiment as well as the skills developed while working in the private sector, will stand him in good stead for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.

“I look forward to working with Major Simons as he prepares to lead the regiment into the future.”

Major Simons, who is an architect by trade and enlisted in the RBR in 1998, has served in part-time roles including at section, platoon, company and battalion levels.

In 2016, he joined the full-time staff as an adjutant.

He said: “I would like to thank the Defence Board for their work and Her Excellency for entrusting me with command of the regiment.

“As an isolated island and a small community, the role the regiment plays in protecting Bermuda’s interests, ensuring our resilience and in enabling other services is as important as ever.

“I am committed to continuing the regiment’s push towards a more modern and professional culture — one where there is a deep focus on training and assessment to validate our capability, and where the experience that we offer our soldiers is prioritised.”

He added: “Finally, I look forward to leading engagement across Bermuda’s communities to encourage a culture of public service.

“The regiment offers its people a unique and valuable experience, and the opportunity to join is something that I encourage everyone to take advantage of.”

Major Simons completed his professional military education in Britain and Canada. Most recently, he attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at the Defence Academy in Britain.

• For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visitrbr.bm or call 238-1045