New Sovereign Base Areas Administrator, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Peter Squires, was officially sworn in at Flagstaff House in Episkopi on Thursday.
A press release by the SBA says that the AVM, who has enjoyed more than three decades of service in the RAF having joined in 1989, spoke of his pride at taking up the dual roles of Administrator and Commander British Forces Cyprus, and said he was now looking forward to all that Cyprus has to offer.
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, the press release reads.
“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”, he said.
Outlining some objectives for the next two years AVM said “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’’, he said.
He was also keen to highlight the importance of the team he has around him, both from a work and family perspective, according to the press release.
“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. I also have the fabulous support of my family. We are all very excited about being here and can’t wait to immerse ourselves in all that Cyprus has to offer,” the AVM concluded.
Cyprus News Agency