H.T. Smith, commenting on the acceptance of no contest pleas submitted by six of the Bermuda Under-23 soccer players accused of smuggling drugs into Miami.

"That was a sign of 15 years of blood, sweat and tears. This is something I have worked for so long that when I put it together at a World Championships where it really counts I turned out the lights and let loose.'' -- Triple jumper Mr. Brian Wellman on winning the first ever world championship by a Bermudian in track and field at the World Indoor Championships in March.

"I don't want 13 percent now and 13 percent later. I want it now. Twenty seven percent now.'' -- Opposition MP Mr. Stanley Morton on plans to increase MPs salaries by 27.9 percent over two years.

"I'm just here as a professional Police officer doing the best I can for the people of Bermuda.'' -- New Police Commissioner Mr. Colin Coxall after being sworn in at Government House in March.

"I jumped out of my car and started collecting the money. Five or six other people started picking it up and one woman came running out of a store saying `Let me get mine!' It was organised chaos, everywhere I looked there was money.'' -- Firefighter Mr. Arthur Rayner after seeing $20 bills blowing around in the street. Mr Rayner turned the money in.

"It is the end of a glorious chapter of 200 years of the Navy in Bermuda.

What glorious years they have been.'' -- Commander Robin Bawtree, last commanding officer of the Royal Navy Base at HMS Malabar.

"USAir 599 this is Bermuda Tower. Good morning. Please report your five mile final approach.'' -- USAir 599 becomes the first aircraft brought into the Island by Bermuda Government air traffic controllers after the Airport is handed over by the US Navy.

"While this is a sad day for all of us, it is foremost a proud day. For we must remember why this Base came into being to appreciate why its existence is no longer necessary and why we and those before us who stood the watch, today stand relieved.'' -- US Naval Air Station commanding officer Capt. Timothy Bryan after the United States flag is officially lowered at the USNAS.

"I would not call it blackmail. What I would call it is putting my neck on the line,'' -- Then Premier Sir John Swan after saying he would resign if voters rejected Independence in the August 15 Referendum.

"Even God does not want the Referendum.'' -- Opposition Leader Frederick Wade, after Hurricane Felix was due to arrive on the same day as the vote, which the Opposition was boycotting.

"I've no regrets. It is time we had a new leader, don't you think? I've had a wonderful 13 years as leader. I can look back on a very good time, but now I have to get on with my life. Nothing lasts forever. It had to come to an end.'' -- Sir John Swan after stepping down as Premier following the referendum.

"Work with us, believe in us, because we are going to deliver. We are a United Bermuda Party going to work for a united Bermuda. The days of little sniping have finished. You will see a united team.'' -- New Premier David Saul.

"He's got an appeal in to me for an illegal house. I haven't even looked at it. I said I ain't looking at it for now. The naughty b*****. He built it anyway. Couldn't care less. They're a law unto themselves.'' -- Former Environment Minister Tim Smith on Government backbencher Mr. Trevor Moniz.

"I don't personally perceive racism as a major problem, but I think it's there and needs to be addressed.'' -- Mr. Michael Mello, chairman of the new Commission of Unity and Racial Equality.

"It's very much like having a war on crime and removing the generals.'' -- Shadow Home Affairs Minister Mr. Alex Scott on plans to make Assistant Commissioner Mr. Wayne Perinchief and Mr. George Rose redundant.