THE closing session of the Bermuda Industrial Union's Second Quadrennial Delegates Conference concluded on an emotional high when the union's new president, veteran trade unionist Chris Furbert, formally took over from Derrick Burgess, who voluntarily retired after ten years in the office.

Our picture (below) shows Burgess receiving a decorative plaque from Ed Seymour, president of the union's Parks Division. Seen in the background are from the far left, Graham Nisbett, who was returned unopposed as assistant general secretary; Chris Furbert and far right, the general secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, George DePenna.

He conducted the election and installed the officers. As the outgoing president responded upon receiving first one retiring token then another, delegates began asking him if he wanted a handkerchief to shield his emotions, but he soldiered on with his vintage smile.

However, incoming president Furbert was all right with his acceptance speech until he digressed and broke down trying to say how he felt about seeing his son, Chris Furbert, Jr., impacting on the conference, as a delegate for the first time. Young Chris is seen at the podium helping his father regain his composure.

Second-most powerful officer in the BIU's hierarchy is its general secretary, Helena (Molly) Burgess (bottom middle) . Returned unopposed, she has held the office since 1983, having first served as an assistant secretary from 1964. She served notice that this may be her last term. Elected as first vice-president was Arnold Smith, seen embracing his strong challenger Herbie Bascome, who heads the Hotel Division. Smith comes from the Telephone Workers' Division which he headed.

He has been steeped in trade unionism from his earliest days, being the grandson of the late Henry L. Conyers, a leading printer at The Royal Gazette, who was summarily fired in the Dr. E.F. Gordon days when his bosses discovered he was a union activist.

The union's long-serving head receptionist, Carolyn Young is embraced by her president (top right) as she gave up the office as recording secretary. That was one of the several hats she has been wearing at the union for decades. Carolyn continues as receptionist. New recording secretary is Cathy Landy (middle right) , a delegate from the Public Transportation Bus Drivers' Division. That division also saw its president, Glenn Simmons, not seen, elevated to the office of second vice-president.

Others installed into their old offices were Cecil Durham, treasurer; union organiser, George Scott, MP; education officer Colin Simmons; and former parliamentarian Calvin Smith, statistician.