An army insider last night told The Royal Gazette that officers and NCOs were embroiled in a regimental rift over plans for a new Regimental Sergeant Major from Britain.

The present RSM, Terry Fray, is due to retire 10 months early at the end of this month due to personal difficulties.

But the next man in line, black Bermudian Warren Furbert -- the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant -- may be overlooked in the search for a successor.

Capt. Edward Lamb, Regimental Agitant, last night confirmed that the commanding officer was considering bringing in a new RSM from Britain.

It would be the first time the Bermuda Regiment had had a British RSM since 1989.

But Capt. Lamb denied reports of a rift in the ranks, dismissing them as "preposterous''.

He said: "Our RSM is leaving prematurely for personal reasons and he has the full support of regimental headquarters and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

"The commanding officer, Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge, has a few options to consider.

"It's far too early to say who will or will not be considered for the post and Warren Furbert would also be considered.

"Bringing an RSM in from England is under consideration and it is a possibility but no more than that.

"A decision of this magnitude isn't one that should be made in haste.'' Capt. Lamb said reports of a race rift were "imprudent, preposterous and uninformed''.

He said: "It is perceived by people who are uninformed and have chosen to run to the press to cause dissent among the ranks.

"RSM Fray's early departure has precipitated the whole process. There is no crisis. It's just that this decision now has to be taken a little ahead of time.'' He said there were three British RSMs in the 1980s and most 1970s RSMs were also British.

But one insider said: "A few of the senior Sergeant Majors are furious and thinking of resigning from the Regiment.'' It is understood a Major and two Permanent Staff Instructors -- on attachment from England -- have pushed for a British RSM.

But Capt. Lamb added: "The commanding officer has a number of issues to dispel over the coming weeks and that's when a decision is likely to be taken.

"It hasn't been made yet.'' DISCRIMINATION DIS