Good afternoon.
It is a pleasure to be here today, along with His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, the Honourable Ryan Robinson Perinchief, Minister of National Security, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and all those gathered here to mark this important occasion.
Today, we officially mark the release of a commemorative stamp collection celebrating 60 years of service by the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
Sixty years represents six decades of discipline, courage, duty and service to our island. The Regiment was formed on September 1, 1965, bringing together the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, later known as the Bermuda Rifles, and the Bermuda Militia Artillery.
Since that time, generations of Bermudians have answered the call to serve, building a proud tradition that continues to this day.
And that service has extended well beyond ceremonial duties.
The Royal Bermuda Regiment has been called upon to support Bermuda through hurricanes and other civil emergencies, assist with security operations, and contribute during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its members have also provided assistance to Caribbean neighbours following natural disasters and served on international assignments, including in Sierra Leone.
The Regiment’s Coast Guard has further strengthened Bermuda’s maritime security capability, supporting search and rescue operations and helping to protect our territorial waters.
This six-stamp collection provides a fitting way to recognise that breadth of service.
The stamps capture different aspects of the Regiment’s role, including emergency and disaster response, recruitment and training, ceremonial duties, Coast Guard operations, community service, and the proud traditions that have shaped the Regiment over six decades.
But these stamps are more than postal products. They are miniature historical records. They will carry the story of the Royal Bermuda Regiment into homes and collections across Bermuda and around the world, ensuring that this important part of our national story continues to be seen and remembered.
As the Minister responsible for the Bermuda Post Office, I am particularly proud that our postal service continues to play a role in preserving and promoting Bermuda’s history through its commemorative stamp programme.
I would also like to recognise and commend Jamie McDowell from the Government's Department of Communications for the work involved in bringing this collection to life.
My thanks go to the Bermuda Post Office, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Stamp Design Advisory Committee, and everyone who contributed to making today’s release possible.
Today, the Royal Bermuda Regiment has approximately 280 troops, most of whom serve on a part-time basis. These are Bermudians who balance their military responsibilities with careers, families and the demands of everyday life, while remaining willing to step forward when their community needs them.
That willingness to serve, often during some of Bermuda’s most difficult moments, represents the very best of public service.
So, on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend my congratulations to the Royal Bermuda Regiment on reaching this significant 60-year milestone.
To the serving members of the Regiment, to its veterans, and to the families who have supported them over the years, thank you for your service and your commitment to Bermuda.
May this commemorative stamp issue serve as a lasting tribute to six decades of duty, resilience and service, and as a reminder of the important role the Royal Bermuda Regiment continues to play in the life of our community.
It is now my pleasure to officially mark the release of this commemorative stamp collection celebrating 60 years of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
Thank you, and congratulations to the Royal Bermuda Regiment on 60 years of service.
