New British bases administrator sworn-in

New Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) Administrator, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Peter Squires, was officially sworn in at Flagstaff House in Episkopi on Thursday.

Squires joined the RAF in 1989 will take up the dual role of Administrator and Commander British Forces Cyprus (CBF).

Speaking during his swearing-in, he said: “It is an immense privilege and honour to be the Administrator of the SBAs and CBF. The sense of responsibility and the sense of expectation has been underlined by this morning’s ceremony and I must confess to a degree of nervous excitement at the prospect of what lies ahead.”

After finishing his previous tour as Head of Defence Operational Capability, Squires paid tribute to his predecessor and said he was looking to build on his hard work.

“I have much to thank my predecessor for – Major General Rob Thomson – whose energy and passion were remarkable. His desire to work in a spirit of cooperation and a spirit of friendship were evident to all – principles I intend to emulate.”

In looking ahead at his tour, he mentioned his objectives for the next two years saying it was too early to offer anything specific but in general he wants the SBAs to make a positive contribution to the citizens and government of Cyprus.

“We have shared opportunities and, undoubtedly, will face shared challenges. I am looking forward to working with the local communities and with members of the government, as part of our collective responsibility to look after this jewel of an island for future generations,” Squires said

“I will not be doing this alone. I have an excellent team in the SBAs bringing this to life and I know I have excellent support from community leaders and RoC Government officials and ministers who will help me in my journey. I have much to understand and much to learn from you all.