Regiment pursues Long Term Absentees

A Bermuda Regiment soldier absent without leave for seven years has been fined after returning home from overseas.  The individual was detained at Bermuda International Airport when he recently returned to the Island after an extended stay abroad.

Regiment Adjutant Major Benjamin Beasley said the soldier had been given a “substantial” fine after appearing in front of new Commanding Officer Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown and returned to the active duty list.

Maj Beasley added: “This is a good example of what can happen if people take it upon themselves not to turn up for Regiment duty. There are around 100 people on our list of those who have failed to fulfil their responsibilities to the Regiment and to the community we serve.  This case shows that you can run, but you can’t hide forever. Through the Joint Intelligence Unit we are receiving support from our sister services in helping clear up the absentee list.  The names on the list represent wasted tax payer money.  One’s personal view on conscription is irrelevant; the fact is: long term absentees are a financial burden on every resident and it is our job - especially in our current financial situation - to prevent money being wasted.”

“In addition, it is irresponsible for some young men to snub their lawful duties, while others will take it in stride and do what their country requires of them.

Lt Col Foster-Brown said: “The Regiment is a caring employer with the best interests of our soldiers at heart.  We help our soldiers whenever we can and if they have a genuine reason for being unable to serve, they are treated sympathetically. But it’s important they talk to us about it so we can find the best way forward for all concerned. I would urge those who have not completed their legal obligation to the Regiment to get in touch with us as soon as possible, and if you are a friend or relative of a long term absentee, please also encourage them to do so: the longer the absence the greater the crime and those who return voluntarily will have that fact considered in mitigation.”

“For those who may have legitimate reasons for being unable to serve there is a mechanism in place for deferment. The soldier who I saw earlier this week wrote asking for deferment before he absconded; however he didn’t show up for his interview.  There is a reasonable chance he would have had his service deferred, but instead he chose to be absent. It gives me no pleasure to punish soldiers, but I will not hesitate to apply the law; it is not fair on those that do carry out their duty if others who don’t are not held to account.”

Maj. Beasley added that, in some cases, soldiers who repeatedly fail to turn up for duty are prosecuted in Magistrate’s Court. And he said, if found guilty, they can face a large fine and imprisonment.  He added a criminal record can hamper not only prospects at home, but cause problems with overseas travel.  He added that this was not the preferred route of resolving absenteeism, but can be the only option left.  Maj. Beasley said: “It’s in everyone’s interests for people with outstanding time to serve in the Regiment to do something about it, rather than just hoping the problem will go away – it won’t.”

Lt Col Foster-Brown added that a security review was underway, which could lead to a change in the current conscription arrangements.  But he said: “This will not change the fact individuals have broken the current law and the Regiment will enforce it as it stands. Anyone called to serve must do so or tell us why they can’t. If the reason for not attending is concern over the military aspects of service, then they should rest assured: the vast majority of soldiers within the Regiment find it a hugely rewarding and positive experience which has also helped them in other aspects of their life including civilian employment.  The time commitment is also less than it has been in the past too – typically equating to 24 days per year and we offer a wide variety of worthwhile and interesting specialist roles.”

The Bermuda Regiment is looking for volunteers for a variety of roles. A Regiment career offers a soldier adventure, challenge, overseas travel, skills, competitive pay, a rewarding opportunity to serve your country while making new friends and having fun.  A $300 bonus will be awarded to all volunteers who enlist for Recruit Camp 2014. For more information, call 238-1045 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm.

The below list contains those soldiers who are recorded as long term absentees along with their last known address.  Anyone having information as to their whereabouts or circumstances is requested to contact The Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Rayner at 238-3921

LIST OF LONG TERM ABSENTEE SOLDIERS AS AT 2 JULY 2013