to live with her husband, it was revealed yesterday.

Last night Premier David Saul and Opposition Senate Leader Milton Scott both paid tribute to Dr. Astwood, an Independent Senator.

The Governor Lord Waddington also thanked Dr. Astwood for her "very distinguished service''.

Dr. Saul said: "She was a true independent and had Bermuda's best interests at heart.

"I have known Dr. Astwood since I was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and she will be badly missed.'' Dr. Astwood was appointed to the Senate in 1987 and last year married Sir Frank Blackman, a retired Barbados Government Cabinet Secretary.

It is understood Dr. Astwood has left for Barbados to live with her husband and felt she could no longer serve in the Senate.

A new Vice President will be elected when the Senate meets before the Throne Speech in November.

In her resignation letter to the Governor, she said: "I have had the privilege to serve Bermuda as a Senator since 1987, having been appointed and re-appointed to that House more recently by you and prior to that time by two of your predecessors.

"Because of my expected imminent absence from Bermuda for a prolonged period of time, I have no alternative but to resign my seat from the Senate.'' Her letter was dated August 29.

Lord Waddington wrote to Dr. Astwood saying he "fully understood'' the reason for the decision.

His letter added: "On behalf of the people of Bermuda I would like to thank you most sincerely for the very distinguished service you have given during the last nine years.'' It is the Governor who appoints Independent Senators and no decision has yet been taken about a successor.

Sen. Milton Scott also paid tribute to Dr. Astwood who he said could have become the first female Senate President if she had not resigned.

"It is most unfortunate she will not have the opportunity to serve the Country in that capacity,'' added Sen. Scott.

He added that Dr. Astwood had recently shown her independent colours by voting with the PLP for amendments to Government legislation, including the Telecommunications Bill.

"I think Bermuda has lost a great stateswoman,'' said Sen. Scott.

Dr. Astwood was in Barbados and not available for comment last night. However her husband Sir Frank said she had resigned because of her move to to that country.

"Because she is staying away from Bermuda for a long time she thought she had no alternative but to offer her resignation,'' he said.

"She told the President she felt privileged to have served in the Senate and in the office of Vice President.'' Senate President Albert Jackson is off the Island and unavailable for comment.