Bermuda's Constitution was yesterday hailed as a milestone in parliamentary democracy.

In a rare joint session at the House of Assembly where the list of those attending read like Who's Who -- the Governor, leaders of both Houses, the Opposition and the Premier referred to the Constitution as a framework for great progress.

And they praised those who "hammered out'' the 25-year-old document.

But Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said his party still had "grave'' concerns about the Constitution.

He noted that the PLP refused to sign a majority report in the 1960s to adopt the Constitution because the document failed to abolish the foreign vote and provide a system of one-man one-vote, one-vote one-value.

And 25 years later Mr. Wade said this was still the case.

"The foreign vote remains the disparity and the system continues even though there was a mini conference in 1979 at Warwick Camp,'' he said.

"It is our belief that we should use the 25th anniversary to set in place the mechanism for us to review the Constitution with a view to making changes so that it becomes a dynamic document which serves the entire community and provides for the political stability of our democracy.'' Mr. Wade also took advantage of the session, which included present and former Parliamentarians, to bring up the issue of independence.

"It is our hope that we use this "window of opportunity'' to redress the long-standing grievances and prepare Bermuda for the next 25 years,'' he said.

"It is also our hope that before too long the people of Bermuda will again be willing to discuss the whole question of independence for Bermuda.'' But Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said "only those with the most jaded and jaundiced view of Bermuda and its history would say that little of substances has been accomplished'' in the past 25 years.

"The Constitution, which was crafted after extensive consultation and talks in London and in Bermuda, has served us well,'' he stressed.

Sir John said the Constitution strengthened Bermuda's commitment to human rights.

He said it also provided Bermuda with a "sound and workable framework for its most cherished institutions -- its judiciary, its public service, its parliamentary arrangements and its appropriate guidelines for the conduct of an orderly and stable society''.

"For these reasons we take pride in what has been accomplished during the past quarter-century years in Bermuda,'' Sir John added.

However, he admitted there was room for improvement before Bermuda could "claim total victory in these areas''.

And Sir John stressed that the Constitution was not "etched in granite, but a living, breathing document to accommodate changing circumstances''.

Sir John also said the Constitution provided the environment in which the people of Bermuda have been able to take a greater part in shaping their own destiny.

And he said the Constitution helped bring the people of Bermuda together by defining a common destiny, heritage, and common commitment to Bermuda.

"As the Constitution has evolved, Bermuda has evolved to one of the most desirable and successful societies.

"We commit ourselves fully to making Bermuda an even better country in next 25 years.'' House Speaker the Hon. David Wilkinson, who was an MP when the Constitution came into being, said it signified a new era for Bermuda.

He noted that it transferred the initiative of managing the Island's affairs from the Governor to Government.

While admitting that the past 25 years have not been without obstacles, Mr.

Wilkinson said Bermuda has always marched forward with "enthusiasm and vigour''.

Like Bermuda's first Governor Capt. Nathaniel Butler, he reminded fellow Parliamentarians of their duty to put public service before self interest.

Senate president the Hon. Albert Jackson spelled out the powers that the Constitution gave to Government and the rights and freedom it gave to citizens.

He said: "The Constitution places Bermuda within the context of other humanitarian societies. Those who hammered out the Constitution ought to be saluted.'' During the ecumenical service which followed at the Anglican Cathedral, head of the committee which organised the day's events and former long-time Cabinet Minister the Hon. Sir John Plowman told the history of the Constitution.

In doing so, Sir John said the extent of the changes which came about in 1968 with the Constitution are still not appreciated by many.

"It is therefore appropriate on this day, 25 years later, to remember these events and those who worked hard to make the changes possible,'' he said.

"It is equally appropriate that we assemble on this day in the Anglican Cathedral of Bermuda to give thanks for the progress that has been made and seek blessing on our future endeavours to do all we can to ensure that Bermuda and all who live in our Island will enjoy freedom, peace and prosperity.'' HISTORIC SESSION -- More than 60 past and present Parliamentarians gathered in the House of Assembly yesterday for a rare joint session to mark the 25th anniversary of the Constitution.