Government is getting top marks for its performance before, during and after Hurricane Fabian.

"In terms of comparing where we were during Hurricane Emily and where we are now there's obviously been some very constructive strides in terms of how we handle natural disasters," said National Liberal Party vice chairman Graeme Outerbridge.

He, and others The Royal Gazette spoke to, were particularly impressed with Premier Alex Scott and Public Safety Minister Randolph Horton's leadership so far. The pair had done an "outstanding job".

The Premier had kept an upbeat tone and made reassuring statements throughout and said "the right things" about Bermudians and residents, Mr. Outerbridge said.

"Although we still have a long way to go in getting us back to some degree of normalcy, the Government's performance to date has been sterling, especially considering that we have a new administration composed of a new Premier and Cabinet who were sworn in only days before Fabian struck," said Rolfe Commissiong.

"Premier Scott's performance has been a welcome departure from that of his predecessor - at the very least he is communicating effectively with the Bermudian people."

Former NLP leader Charles Jeffers and former Premier Sir John Swan echoed similar sentiments.

"I was very pleased. I thought that they were proactive, they gave warnings, they continually updated us. I thought that Premier Scott performed admirably," said Mr. Jeffers.

"I don't think anybody can fault government for their handling (of the hurricane) and that is before during and even after."

Sir John said he had nothing but praise for the Government and the Premier.

He said while Bermudians must take the credit for coming together, Premier Scott had led the charge from the instant he took office.

"It's been superb," Sir John said. "I must commend the Premier who has been the main spokesman for the government for his very embracing and forward-thinking approach to issues that have been on the agenda for some time.

"I think with the hurricane the Government is to be commended. It was a very quick response - it could have been a disastrous situation.

But, because of the Premier's emphasis on inclusiveness, people came together to help other people. And that cut across the spectrum which included blacks, whites, labourers and white collar workers."

Sir John was Premier for 13 years - a period which included the last major storm, hurricane Emily in 1987.

"I walked through town the Saturday after the storm and all I saw was people embracing each other as in the early stages of my premiership. Something like this storm reminds us of what we can do when we do work together and I think the Premier has articulated that."

Asked if he had any criticisms, he said: "I really don't (have any) quite frankly. I only have praise for the Government. He said a similar storm elsewhere would have had devastating results."

The most frequent complaint was the fact that the Emergency Broadcast Station was not on the air until 10 p.m. Friday night.

"The question should be are there other ways information can be disseminated working with private sector carriers. It was quite remarkable how fast the (Royal) Gazette got its hurricane special out," Mr. Outerbridge said.

His only criticism was that the Government should not have turned down an offer of assistance from Britain, saying he would have put the British on hold until there was a clearer idea of what the Island's needs were.

"Symbolically it came off that we were just turning down someone who was offering help," he said.

"No matter how respectfully it was declined there was no need to be in-gracious in a time of need."

Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons said his party had received calls expressing similar concerns when two Royal Navy ships on their way to Bermuda with supplies were turned back.

Mr. Scott has since explained that the help that was being offered was not needed. Dr. Gibbons stressed that this was not a time for politicking and was guarded when asked his criticisms.

"I think we all understand that the two ships and their relief capabilities were not particularly well matched to Bermuda's needs right now. They were set up to provide more basic relief supplies like blankets and tents and that sort of thing. But there have been a number of people who suggested that having additional manpower may have been able to help in some residential areas."

He did offer some muted praise for the Premier's performance. "In some respects it was nice to see Mr. Scott being visible, I think that's obviously important so, I was pleased to see that."

Dr. Gibbons added that his party would be offering some "constructive criticism" in about a week.

Chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, David Ezekiel was away during the hurricane and returned Tuesday to positive reports, he said.

"What I do know is everyone really appreciates the Works and Engineering Department and all the Police and Regiment working to get things back on track," he said.

"I've heard a number of people comment on the number of hours these people are putting in - the Police, Works and Engineering and all the utilities seem to be going beyond the call of duty. So once again it appears the community are pulling together.

"I heard a story last night of a taxi driver who refused to take a fare when taking a couple to a new hotel. It's the sort of attitude that will get us back on track pretty quickly."

Former ruling party Senator Calvin Smith said he found it "reassuring to hear the leader of the Government telling us what was taking place, and how they were dealing with it, in very comforting tones".

"I liked the PR between the two ministers appearing with the permanent secretary to show we are all in this together."

He added: "I think Bermuda is getting the kind of leadership that it needs. It's not just the hurricane, it's a whole pile of issues including tourism."

"Bermudians need the reassurance of a leader that's pointing out positive directions and using the people directly under his command to take action and take action harmoniously. And he's using the civil service and he's done that in real quick time.

"Bermuda needs leadership at this time - real positive leadership. He was tested by fire in this hurricane and I think he's passed with flying colours."