Astwood for his appointment to preside over the Court of Appeal.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan started off the flood of congratulations. Sir James was "a real South Shore boy'' who grew up in Bermuda, had the opportunity to gain "vast experience'' abroad and return to his country and crack the so-called glass ceiling.

"He helped raise the level of the legal system to a level I don't think has been matched,'' Sir John said.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge congratulated Mr. Ronald Brown for 43 years of service at the airport. "He is one of those unsung heroes,'' he said. He hoped a plaque in his and other long-serving airport employees' honour would be put up when Bermuda fully takes over the facility.

Works Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons extended his congratulations to Sir James. He also commended some 70 members of his staff for long service. Three were being honoured for more than 40 years of service, he noted, including quarry chief Mr. Vincent Townsend.

Mr. Alex Scott (PLP) congratulated Mrs. Ora Tucker, whom he said was "97-years-young,'' for her continuing community service. He also commended the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its reach-out services. Its annual report showed they had helped some 3,880 Bermudians.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said he could not think of "a more deserving person to be elevated to the post'' of Court of Appeal president'' that Sir James.

Having been "elevated to the highest judicial post in the land,'' he was a sterling example to all Bermudians.

The Rev. Trevor Woolridge (PLP) also congratulated airport porter Mr.

Brown and the Seventh Day Adventists.

Youth and Sport Minister the Hon. Pam Gordon commended the Warwick Academy Senior School student choir and orchestra for their "impressive and professional performance'' at their Christmas concert.

Shadow Education Minister Miss Jennifer Smith also congratulated young student poet Tioni Raynor Smith.

Mrs. Grace Bell (UBP) also patted Sir James on the back saying all Bermudians should be proud of his lofty achievement.

She further praised a local winner in a recent international flower show, Mr.

Neville Richardson, and praised Nancy Acton's feature on him in The Royal Gazette 's Taste section.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira congratulated Sir James for climbing the ladder from magistrate to the Court of Appeal.

Mr. Rick Spurling (UBP) said Sir James was "a role model for all Bermudians both black and white.'' He also congratulated the Bermuda National Trust for the Christmas walk-about of its historic St. George's properties. "It was the best ever,'' he said, commending the Trust volunteers as well.

Mr. Spurling further praised Mrs. Helene Paynter and Rev. Lowe of St. David's for the new Senior Smiling Glee Club in the parish.

Mr. John Barritt (UBP) commended Sir James, adding he hoped Lady Astwood would not mind the post-retirement appointment. He also asked that congratulations be sent to former Court of Appeal president Sir Denys Roberts for his six years of service to Bermuda.

Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams (PLP) asked to be associated with congratulations to the National Trust and Seniors Smiling Glee Club organisers.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade rose to commend Sir Roberts for his time on the Court of Appeal saying his service was appreciated. He hoped that with Sir James' appointment to the Court of Appeal it would continue to be what it was started for in the first place -- "to bring a fresher breath into Bermuda.'' Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill said Sir James appointment showed Bermudianisation "did not stop midway.'' Mr. Trevor Moniz congratulated the Summerhaven Trust for its recent successful "fireside carols'' event. Along with Labour Minister the Hon. J. Irving Pearman , he extended praise to Sir James as well.

The Hon. Harry Soares also congratulated Mrs. Ora Tucker.

Several members rose to congratulate the under-23 soccer team on its victory against Jamaica. At the time, however, news of the drugs arrests in Miami had not reached the House.