Premier Alex Scott has revealed the role of the Bermuda Regiment may be extended to include a ?little coastguard?.

Mr. Scott is currently visiting Jamaica where the Regiment is on a field training trip but before leaving told the idea was still in its early stages.

He had plans to discuss the idea with the head of the Jamaican Coastguard.

The service would complement the existing coastguard operated by the Police, explained the Premier.

?There is an idea of a, for want of a better expression, little coastguard,? he said. ?A patrol, which would probably supplement what the Police do. It would be an extension of the Regiment.?

The Premier intended to visit the head of the Jamaican Coastguard Vice Admiral Hardley Lewin to ?pick up advice.?

He believes adding a marine component to the Regiment could only be a good thing.

?I think it would work in conjunction with Bermuda Police Service. The Police has a marine department and there could be a synergy between the two,? he said.

?It?s something we have always been talking about, the expansion of the role of the Regiment.

?If it proves to be viable and we feel we can support it economically, we will do it.?

During the weekend, Mr. Scott was joined by Bermuda Fire Service Chief Vincent Hollinsid and Police Commissioner George Jackson along with Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton.

Mr. Horton suggested that members of the Regiment, through training, experience and guidance, could be directed to careers as Police officers and prison officers.

And Fire Chief Mr. Hollinsid said: ?The Regiment can definitely serve a purpose in helping in the development of our younger men and women.?

Police Commissioner Jackson added: ?There are some men who need mentoring, because down the road, 20 years or so from now, these individuals should be the leaders of our society. The Regiment is an excellent environment for them.?

The Premier added: ?Clearly one of the main benefits and common themes of this experience is the opportunity to develop, train and impart discipline into our soldiers.?

He said the training was to prepare the Regiment for dealing with crisis situations, such as a hurricane, so it could continue to provide assistance to other islands.

The soldiers are also doing work in the community helping to renovate the Port Antonio Hospital.

Mr. Scott is today hosting a lunch for troops from the Jamaican Defence Force to show appreciation for their help with the training and had also hoped to meet Jamaica?s Prime Minister Elect Portia Simpson Miller during his stay.

This year?s military exercise ?Solid Rock II? is an ongoing partnership between the Jamaican Defence Force and the Regiment.