Government intends to enhance the role of the Bermuda Regiment's full-time soldiers.

And plans being considered for the Island's part-time soldiers include reducing the number of conscripts and their length of service.

Yesterday's Throne Speech, which was read by Governor Thorold Masefield, recognised that the Regiment had been the subject of a major review.

And Mr. Masefield, the Commander-in-Chief of the Island's military force, said: "Government has accepted recommendations from this review that enhance the role of the full-time complement of the Regiment and are considering plans to reduce the size of the conscription component and reduce the length of service.

"Pending further study and consideration, these changes and further details from the review will be made public and amendments to the Defence Act 1965 placed before the Legislature.'' The review was announced in the 1999 Throne Speech and was carried out by top Army brass from the UK.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox could not be reached for comment yesterday but she has hinted in the past that a change to the present conscription scheme and a revamped role for the Regiment could be on the cards. Standard UK armed services doctrine in recent times has stressed small, well equipped services with an emphasis on volunteers rather than conscription so it is likely that the UK reviewers have suggested something similar for Bermuda.

And a greater sea-going role for the Regiment has been voiced since the United Bermuda Party was in power in 1997.

It is thought that this would help plug the gaps in Bermuda's marine rescue and drug-busting role.

REGIMENT MIL