Bermuda’s ties with Jamaica have been affirmed with a visit by Senator Jeffrey Baron, the Minister of National Security

The trip included a meeting with Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, during the Jamaican Defence Force’s Change of Command ceremony on Saturday.

Mr Baron, who returned home on Sunday, represented the island alongside Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley, Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Incoming Chief of Defence Major General Rocky Meade succeeded Major General Antony Anderson at the event, with Major General Anderson, who served as Chief of Defence Staff since 2010, taking a new post as Jamaica’s first National Security Adviser.

Major General Meade’s speech highlighted his determination to increase support for the police as Jamaica continues to tackle crime and violence.

Mr Baron met with Mr Holness after the ceremony, extending well wishes from Bermuda and voicing his commitment on strengthening the relationship between the islands.

The minister also met on Saturday with Robert Montague, Jamaica’s Minister of National Security, to discuss “a range of safety and security matters relative to both Bermuda and Jamaica”, a ministry spokeswoman said.

Mr Baron said that both Prime Minister Holness and Mr Montague had been invited to visit Bermuda for further talks.

The visit provided the chance for Mr Baron to attend the funeral of Hazel Dalley in Montego Bay.

For nearly 50 years, Ms Dalley was a friend and supporter to the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s leadership and soldiers who trained annually in Jamaica.

Fondly known as “Miss Hazel” or “Auntie Hazel”, she took Bermuda’s soldiers under her wing and treated them like family — a legacy recognised by Lt Col Curley, who spoke at her funeral.