Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan started the ball rolling on Friday, singling out the Bermuda Police, Bermuda Regiment, and the Reserve Constabulary for their efforts in controlling traffic and safety.

Turning to performances for Her Majesty at the Botanical Gardens, Sir John praised the Bermuda National Dance Theatre, the H-N Gombey Troupe, the combined Bermuda Majorettes, the Portuguese Cultural Dancers, the Mass Choir of young people, the Bermuda Institute Steel Band, and dancer Ms Sophia Cannonier.

The Premier also paid tribute to organisers of the visit who were honoured by the Queen with Royal Victoria Orders: Governor Lord Waddington; Deputy Governor Mr. John Kelly, coordinator Mr. Kenneth Richardson, Government assistant director of public affairs Mrs. Valerie Pethen, and Bermuda Equerry Major William Madeiros.

He also praised Government protocol officer Mrs. Joan Williams.

Thanks to the above people and many others, "we all can say that the Queen's visit was a success,'' Sir John said.

Many other MPs joined in the tributes. Mr. Stanley Morton (PLP) was the first to praise Speaker the Hon. Ernest DeCouto for presiding over the Speaker's Dinner for the Queen.

Mr. Morton also praised the House Clerk and his assistants for their work on the dinner.

Others singled out for praise were Majorettes director Mrs. June Tuzo, Ms Conchita Ming for the dance presentation, the Garden Club of Bermuda for its floral arrangements, the management and staff of the Southampton Princess for the success of the Speaker's Dinner, and Wedco for assisting with the Queen's tour of the West End.

Mr. DeCouto thanked all MPs for attending the Speaker's Dinner and allowing him to deliver "the speech that I thought you were expecting''.

Ms Jennifer Smith (PLP) congratulated "native son'' Mr. Bill (Mussey) Ming, who returned for an exhibition of his sculptures at the National Gallery, which she urged everyone to see.

Ms Smith also praised Ms Paula Maguire of Gala Productions, which had produced Kidfest for many years.

Rev. Trevor Woolridge (PLP) asked that a letter of condolence be sent to the family of Mr. Melvin James Trott, a local bus operator for many years and a Bermuda "personality''.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness expressed sadness over the death of Mrs. Ruth Agnes Trott, nee Tuzo, a "beautiful Christian lady'' who lived in Warwick and worked 19 years at Conyers, Dill and Pearman.

Mr. Edness also asked that the House send condolences to the family of Mr.

Eric E. DeFontes, "one of the old-time taxi drivers who provided yeoman's service to this community''.

Mr. Harry Soares (UBP) sent condolences to Mr. Tony Correia on the death of his wife, Mrs. Almeda Correia. She was "a very wonderful kind and generous Christian woman,'' he said.

Mr. Walter Lister (PLP) voiced his sadness over the death of Mr. Leroy Fubler (Dash) Simmons of Sandys, a taxi operator who was "an ambassador'' for Bermuda.