happy and healthy retirement.

Government backbencher the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto described Mr. Edwards as a "most professional and thoughtful'' man who carried out his duties in an exemplary fashion.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness applauded Mr.

Edwards for the job he had done for his Country.

And Opposition Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade said: "We appreciate his service to the Country.'' Mr. Edwards, who has been in poor health, officially steps down from his job tomorrow.

Yesterday MPs at the House of Assembly asked for a letter of good wishes to be sent to Mr. Edwards and his wife, Patricia.

Opening the remarks was Special Assistant Management and Technology Mr. Walter Lister (PLP) who said Mr. Edwards had made a "valuable contribution to the Police force''.

"I wish he and his wife, Pat, many happy years of retirement.'' Mr. Lister said he regretted Government had not decided to make another person from Sandys South a Police Commissioner.

He pointed out Mr. Edwards, a Bermudian, had worked his way through the force.

"I regret he retired through ill health.'' Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan associated himself with Mr. Lister's remarks.

He, too, wished Mrs. Edwards well, pointing out how dedicated she was to her husband.

Sir John said Mr. Edwards was a "rank and file'' officer who had pulled himself up to the top Police job.

As Minister responsible for the Police from 1976 to 1982, Sir John said he had a long association with the service.

He understood the responsibilities of a Policeman, and appreciated that the Commissioner's job was not an easy one.

Sir John said he hoped Mr. Edwards would continue to make a useful contribution to the local community.

"I hope he will have a happy and healthy retirement.'' Mr. Wade said he regretted Mr. Edwards' retirement was beginning on the note it was -- an apparent reference to the political controversy swirling over the appointment of his successor.

Mr. Edness said the prayers of the House were with Mr. Edwards.

He hoped Mr. Edwards' health would improve so he could enjoy a long and happy retirement.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto, a lawyer, said she first knew Mr. Edwards when he was in CID, and she was newly called to the Bar.

She said she had the pleasure -- and sometimes the displeasure -- of cross-examining Mr. Edwards on criminal matters.

As a Government Minister, Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said she enjoyed a close relationship with Mr. Edwards.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Mr. Alex Scott and Education Minister the Hon.

Clarence Terceira also made congratulatory remarks.

Dr. Terceira said he went back a long way with Mr. Edwards.

He described Mrs. Edwards as a "lovely lady'', and wished the couple all the best for the future.

Shadow Community Affairs Minister Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams congratulated the new trustees of the Bermuda National Gallery, Ms Patricia Ellison, Ms Georgine Hill, Mr. Edgar Humann, Ms Jennifer Smith and Lady Waddington.