Governor John Rankin has paid a visit to the Royal Bermuda Regiment pop-up recruiting office in Hamilton.

Mr Rankin toured the RBR shopfront and spoke to Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley as well as to soldiers manning the centre.

The Governor said: “I’m delighted to see this further outreach from the Regiment to attract volunteers.

“The Royal Bermuda Regiment plays an important role in maintaining the safety and security of the island and offers real opportunities for young men and women who join.”

Mr Rankin, who was accompanied by Deputy Governor Ginny Ferson, added: “I have heard myself from members of the Regiment how much they have learnt and benefited from their service.

“I hope people come into the recruitment centre, learn more about the opportunities and play their part in a Regiment of which they can all be proud.”

Ms Ferson said: “It’s a great idea to bring the Regiment to the people rather than waiting for them to go to Warwick Camp.

“It’s well set up and people can come here and learn all about the Regiment. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to come along and learn more.”

The store, which is on the corner of Reid and Queen Streets in Hamilton and scheduled to stay open until the new year, operates from 10am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays and will be open until 10pm in the week before Christmas.

Colonel Curley added that recruitment had gone as well as expected so far.

A total of 25 former soldiers have also rejoined the colours and will not have to redo recruit camp, but will go straight into platoon positions.

Colonel Curley said the RBR would hold a second recruit camp in July next year, as well as the traditional January intake.

He explained: “That second camp will focus on young people who are leaving school and may be not sure of what they want to do.

“We can give them the chance to learn how to be an effective leader, learn strategic planning and thinking and give them some good work ethics to take out into civilian life.”

Colonel Curley said: “We’ve done a lot of advertising and we’re getting the attention of the age groups we want to interest.

“But we take each potential recruit on their own merits and there are positions suitable for a wide range of age groups.

“The main effort for the pop-up recruiting office is to introduce us to some of the people who are out and about in town, get them in the door and have them chat with our recruitment staff.

“We’re right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Hamilton so people don’t have to run up to Warwick Camp to get the information they need. It can all be done in town.”

Colonel Curley added: “It’s a relaxed atmosphere and pleasant inside. We want people to be comfortable and happy coming in to see us and hopefully they will sign up.

“I guarantee they won’t regret it. There are a lot more opportunities than ever before in the modern Regiment.”

A Regiment career offers recruits opportunities to travel, acquire skills useful in civilian life, test themselves to their limits and competitive rates of pay, as well as a $500 bounty for new volunteers.

For more information, call 238-1045 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm.