."Thank God!'' Just some of the messages from Bermuda which will soon be delivered to Nelson Mandela.

They were written in a book provided by the Island's Anti-Apartheid Coalition to hail Mandela's historic victory.

About 300 people turned up to the City Hall to sign the book -- some to write messages against their names.

There will be another chance to sign it on Friday and Saturday at the library in Queen Street.

The book will then be sent to Mandela and his triumphant African National Congress (ANC).

Anti-Apartheid Coalition co-ordinator Mr. Glenn Fubler was delighted by support shown for South Africa's first all-race election.

"We thought signing this book would give Bermudians a chance to connect with this historic occasion.

"It is an opportunity for the average person who has supported the long struggle against apartheid to express themselves.

"The book signing is really recognition of a victory for democracy.'' Meanwhile, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan has written his own letter of congratulations to Mandela.

He told the 75-year-old black hero: "The Government and people of Bermuda share in the joy of all of the South African people at the outcome of the first democratically-based elections to be held in the Republic of South Africa.

"Those of us on this side of the world who watched with fascination, your release from prison and your subsequent campaign for the presidency, are filled with great admiration for the dignified and honourable way in which you conducted that campaign.

"As you savour your hard-won and well-deserved victory at the polls, please know that you have the very best wishes and prayers of the people of Bermuda as you take on the great task of leading the South African people towards a brighter and more harmonious future.'' Sir John also wrote to defeated former president F.W. de Klerk, applauding his role in the battle against apartheid.

"As a new dawn begins for the people of South Africa, I write to offer you my congratulations on the statesmanlike manner with which you have led your country during the past year.

"Few would have thought that a member of The National Party would ever play such a leading role in putting South Africa firmly on the road to true democracy.

"That you committed yourself to such a course of action indicates that you are a man of great vision, of true compassion and of great integrity.'' Sir John was confident de Klerk had gained a prominent position in South Africa's history.

The Bermuda Industrial Union also intends marking the historic milestone.

It will stage a Mandela victory celebration on Friday following an anti-hospital levy protest march on the House of Assembly.

BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons said light refreshments would be provided.

SIGN OF THE TIMES -- Honorary chairman of the Anti-Apartheid Coalition Canon Thomas Nisbett during yesterday's book signing at City Hall.