It may be the season of peace and goodwill but Royal Bermuda Regiment troops were confronted by an angry mob hurling petrol bombs and other projectiles at the weekend.

The “incident“ took place during a public-order exercise in which soldiers equipped with riot gear, including shields and batons, were put through their paces.

The exercise began on Friday when troops were deployed at key sites, including the grounds of Government House in Pembroke; Sol Petroleum in St George’s; and Warwick Camp.

The training focused on guarding critical infrastructure, patrolling and responding to potential threats.

Today, Major Larenzo Ratteray, the RBR’s second-in-command and senior planning officer for the exercise, said: “It’s been many years since we conducted our own internal assessment for public security.

“This weekend provided a valuable opportunity to ensure we are meeting the high standards we set for ourselves and to train collectively as a unit.”

“We started with key point security, which gave soldiers practical experience in patrolling and sentry duties. Scenarios were designed to test commanders' problem-solving skills in situations such as boundary breaches and the discovery of explosives.”

The training session culminated at the government quarry in Hamilton Parish on Sunday, when troops practised extinguishing petrol bomb fires and worked through de-escalation and crowd control techniques.

Major Ratteray said: “A public order incident is something we hope never to witness in Bermuda, but it is essential to practice and prepare for such scenarios. Training like this ensures that we can respond effectively as a unit if called upon.”

Lieutenant Corrie Cross, a platoon commander who works as a claims analyst in civilian life, noted the weekend’s focus on unfamiliar environments and real-world applications.

She said: “Our platoon was stationed at Sol Petroleum, which I had never visited before. This experience helped us understand our capabilities in that specific space and identify what we would do differently if tasked there again.

“We gained valuable insights into managing group dynamics in chaotic situations. It was a successful weekend in terms of learning and identifying areas for improvement.”

Private Demar Turner, a teacher from Hamilton Parish, found the exercise both informative and transformative.

He said: “I learnt how to keep my composure during stressful situations, especially in public-order scenarios. The training was amazing.

He said the skills developed could be applied in civilian life. He added: “These exercises help me regulate my behaviour, remain calm under pressure and effectively communicate to achieve results.”

New recruit Josai Williams, 23, who plans to begin foundational training with the RBR next year, acted as part of the civilian crowd during the exercise.

He said: “The regiment is what you make of it. If you come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, the experience can be truly rewarding.”

A RBR spokesman added: “Exercises like these ensure the Royal Bermuda Regiment remains ready to serve and protect Bermuda in any circumstance.

“The discipline, professionalism and readiness displayed by the troops during this weekend reflect their commitment to the island.”

For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, call 238-1045 or e-mail rbr.recruiting@gov.bm.