Department of Communication and Information Press Statement by the Minister of National Security Senator Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch - Thank you for joining me this afternoon to witness the hand over to the Bermuda Regiment of this Arctic 24 foot rigid inflatable boat with two Yamaha 200 horse power outboard engines. 

The boat is being donated by the Bermuda Police Service with a spare inflatable collar and other spare parts, valued at approximately $50,000.

This type of boat can be used during very poor weather conditions and has a system to right its self. During extreme weather conditions it can take a crew of three who can all be seated and it reaches a top speed of just over 40 knots.

Since July of this year, you will be aware that the Bermuda Regiment Boat Troop has assisted the Police Marine Unit under a Memorandum of Understanding to patrol local waters. This has resulted in the Boat Troop providing soldiers to assist the Police with general patrols and special events such as Cup Match and swimming races. The Boat Troop has provided man power every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays during this period which has increased patrol presence on the water dramatically during peak periods of boating use by the general public. 

Additionally, the Boat Troop has been involved in a number of boating incidents, including the successful search and rescue of a 17-year-old boy who flipped his hobby cat off the North Shore during Cup Match and was eventually found floating off the oil docks in St. George's at 10.00 p.m. at night.

The Boat Troop has been trained in the use of all of the Police boats and best practices, not only for this Rigid Inflatable Boat, but also the two additional Boston Whalers and the 52 foot Patrol Vessel MV Guardian.

The Boat Troop will continue to patrol jointly with the Police Marine Unit as required.  

I do not envisage the role of the Bermuda Regiment Boat Troop ending with this one vessel. Our ultimate aim is to see our borders fully protected and patrolled 24/7 jointly by Police and Regiment. 

Today’s hand over is a classic example of joined up Government and more importantly – joined up Ministry. I expect we shall have more examples of this cross Ministry cooperation to share going forward.