Major Simons Named as New Commanding Officer
Her Excellency The Governor, Ms Rena Lalgie, announced today that Major Duncan Simons ED has been appointed as the next Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, succeeding Lt Col Ben Beasley BEM on 1 June 2024.
Announcing the decision, Ms Lalgie said “The Regiment plays a key role in ensuring the safety and security of Bermuda both on land and on water and Major Simons’ experience, gained from within the Regiment as well as the skills developed while working in the private sector, will stand him in good stead for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.
I look forward to working with Major Simons as he prepares to lead the Regiment into the future.”
Major Simons said “I would like to thank the Defence Board for their work and Her Excellency for entrusting me with command of the Regiment.
As an isolated island and a small community, the role the Regiment plays in protecting Bermuda’s interests, ensuring our resilience, and in enabling other services is as important as ever.
I am committed to continuing the Regiment’s push towards a more modern and professional culture; one where there is a deep focus on training and assessment to validate our capability, and where the experience that we offer our soldiers is prioritised.
Finally, I look forward to leading engagement across Bermuda’s communities to encourage a culture of public service. The Regiment offers its people a unique and valuable experience and the opportunity to join is something that I encourage everyone to take advantage of.”
Major Simons will take up his appointment on 1st June following Lt Col Ben Beasley’s completion of his term of service.
The Promotions Board, established under the Bermuda Regiment Governor’s Orders 1993, advised the Governor throughout the process.
Major Simons joined the Regiment in 1998 and commissioned in 2000. He has served in various part-time roles at section, platoon, company and battalion levels until he joined the full-time staff in 2016 as Adjutant. During his full-time service with the Regiment, he has also served as Regiment Career Management Officer, Public Relations Officer and Officer Commanding B Company.
Major Simons completed his professional military education in the UK and Canada, most recently attending the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in July 2019. Major Simons holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Pratt Institute in New York. He is registered architect with 10 years of professional experience.