Senator David Burch spoke out against the appointment of the Regiment's new Commanding Officer yesterday.

Speaking for the first time on the appointment of Major Brian Gonsalves as Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment, Sen. Burch said he wanted to make it clear how Maj. Gonsalves was chosen: "The Governor, and he alone, makes the appointment. It rests solely within the Governor's power. I want to make it clear that neither the Government or myself agree with or support it."

He added that they could do nothing as constitutionally the decision was not theirs to make and he said despite being Minister of Public Safety and serving in the Regiment for 20 years his opinion on the matter was not taken into consideration.

Speaking after the Senate finished Sen. Burch added that he would have preferred if "they had done their job properly" when asked about the issue. "I was not impressed three years ago and I wanted to make it clear that I am not impressed now with the way it was done.

"I want people to know what the process is and I don't want to be held accountable for the decision."

When asked if he had a problem with Maj. Gonsalves, who takes over the role next month, being chosen the Senator said he took issue with the process in which the decision was made.

Current Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. William White declined to comment on the Senator's remarks and a Government House spokesman said: "The appointment of the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment on this occasion, just as in previous years, was made in keeping with the provisions of Governor's Orders, a Bermuda Statutory Instrument.

"The Governor appoints the Commanding Officer after taking a formal recommendation from the Bermuda Regiment Promotions Board which interviews each candidate. The Promotions Board includes two former Commanding Officers of the Regiment."

This is not the first time the Senator has spoken out against the process. Three years ago when Lt. Col. White was appointed to the top post Sen. Burch said then Governor Sir John Vereker should be recalled for allowing him to be chosen by a defence board headed by a civilian, breaking from a 40-year tradition.

At the time Former Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Burch said the selection process was compromised, unjustly overlooking the most suitable candidate for "political and personal reasons".

Maj. Gonsalves will become Lieutenant Colonel at The Change of Command ceremony, which is planned for May 30.

Known as a by-the-book disciplinarian Maj. Gonsalves joined the Bermuda Regiment in 1988 and was commissioned in 1989 after passing out from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

During his time in the Regiment he has served as a platoon and company Commander, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor. Maj. Gonsalves was also the first member of the Bermuda Regiment to be part of the International Military Advisory Training Team in Sierra Leone in 2001 as a batallion advisor.