Michael DeSilva is to be the new Commisioner of Police, it was announced this afternoon.

Mr. DeSilva has been Deputy Commissioner since September last year and he will take over when current Commissioner George Jackson retires next month.

The appointment was announced by Governor Sir Richard Gozney who said Mr. DeSilva’s appointment as Deputy Commissioner was part of a succession plan that also included the appointments of Assistant Commissioners Mike Jackman and Paul Wright.

Sir Richard added: The commitment and skills and determination to provide high quality policing, which Mr. DeSilva highlighted as a Superintendent in 2008, have been reinforced by his 14 months as Deputy Commisioner and I believe that he will prove a firm, consistent and modern leader of the Bermuda Police Service.”

* Full story and reaction in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.