Highly profiled at the PLP Banquet were two of Premier Paula Cox's friends who came to Bermuda to give her moral support, and make what she said a memorable event even more special.

Toyin (Tito) Marinho – a very good friend from Nigeria – who met when the Premier was doing postgraduate work at the University of Manchester. The Nigerian was studying pharmacy.

"We became very good friends," said Ms Cox. "Tito was in my wedding party in December, 1999 and periodically visits Bermuda.

"She wished to be here so she came for the lead-up to Annual Delegates Conference, and then left for a few days to visit family in US and returned for the PLP Banquet. A connecting flight delay regrettably caused her to miss arriving back in time for the Throne Speech the day before the banquet."

On the left with Tito is Khadej Fall – the Premier's god-daughter. She was able to arrive in Bermuda in time for both the Throne Speech and banquet. Ms. Cox explained: "Khadej is Canadian. She tracked me down a few years ago through the Internet.

"Her mom and I met while students at McGill University. Her mother is a Jamaican-Canadian. Her father is Mauritanian. When her parents moved we lost touch – I was impressed that Khadej was determined enough to seek me out."