congratulated by senators yesterday, while the retiring president Dr. Archie Hallett was commended for turning the College into a locally and internationally respected institution.

After associating herself with senators' remarks concerning Dr. Hallett and Dr. Cook, Youth and Sport Minister the Hon. Pam Gordon (UBP) congratulated visiting teenager Mr. Ross Harris.

Sen. Gordon said 15-year-old Ross made an "inspiring'' speech to other youngsters and adults attending the Devonshire Seventh-day Adventist Church this week.

She asked that a letter of congratulations be sent to Mr. Sedgewick Thomas in recognition of the fact he has been a bandmaster for 58 years -- longer than the current bandmaster record in the Guinness Book of World Records.

And she asked congratulations be sent to athlete Mr. Brian Wellman for recapturing the triple jump crown in last week's NCAA Championships. "He needs to be encouraged in his Olympic bid,'' she said.

Sen. the Rev. Trevor Woolridge (PLP) said St. Mark's Anglican Church in Smith's Parish should be commended for its recent donation to STAR.

And he said thanks should be shown to Messrs. Larry Mussenden and William Madeiros for the organising the charter flight to Antigua so Bermudians can see the local team play in its World Cup soccer bid.

Sen. Joe Johnson (Ind.) said Dr.

Cook was from a family of achievers who had all served Bermuda well.

"They came from humble beginnings and showed what can be done through hard work,'' Sen. Johnson said.

Sen. Ira Philip (PLP) said Dr. Hallett helped put Bermuda College in "the esteemed position it now enjoys''.

And he said Mrs. Michelle Gabisi's appointment as Berkeley Institute's first female principal was a "significant breakthrough for the fairer sex''.

Government Leader in the Senate and Information Services Minister the Hon.

Michael Winfield said under Dr. Hallett the College had gained the respect of Bermudians as well as many international institutions.

Sen. Winfield said Dr. Hallett helped "boost attendance and insure we look at (the College) with pride''.

Sen. Jerome Dill (UBP) and Sen. Wendell Hollis (UBP) asked that they too be associated with the remarks of senators concerning Dr. Hallett and Dr. Cook.

Sen. Hollis added KBB should be congratulated for its Island-wide marine clean-up last Saturday.

NEW Bermuda College president Dr. George Cook -- congratulated in the Senate yesterday.