New Bases Administrator Peter Squires sworn-in

New Sovereign Base Areas Administrator, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Peter Squires, was officially sworn in at Flagstaff House in Episkopi yesterday . According to the written statement, the AVM, has three decades of service in the RAF having joined in 1989. The statement continues as follows: “As a pilot, whose career has seen him fly all over the world, AVM Squires is clearly keen to take on this new challenge and 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, AVM Squires was quick to pay tribute to his predecessor and said he was looking to build on his hard work. He continued: “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.” And in looking ahead at his tour, he outlined some objectives for the next two years: “Clearly, it is too early to offer anything specific, but I can say this, for those who live and work in the SBAs, I want you to feel valued and your voice to be heard and I want the SBAs to make a positive contribution to the citizens and Government of the Republic 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.”