The grounds of the Cabinet Office were ablaze with colour yesterday as hundreds of people gathered to enjoy that pomp and ceremony that signalled the reconvening of Parliament.

Bermuda's new Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown, looked relaxed and confident and clutched copies of his first Throne Speech in his hands as he lead parliamentarians from the House of Assembly to the Cabinet building.

A visiting female tourist was overheard saying: "My goodness, he sure looks quite elegant and stately."

School children who had waited patiently for the politicians to arrive were very excited when they caught site of the Premier. "There he is," they whispered as they pointed eagerly in his direction.

Any tension that may have existed between supporters of former Premier Alex Scott and supporters of Premier Brown was not evident as the smartly dressed politicians walked in pairs, chatting amiably to each other as they made their way to their seats in anticipation of the reading of the Throne Speech by his Excellency the Governor Sir John Vereker.

Newly appointed Government Senators, Wayne Caines and Davida Morris enjoyed participating in the ceremony.

Twenty five-year-old Senator Morris said: "I enjoyed the pomp and ceremony and I am really pleased with the Throne Speech. I am looking forward to debating the Speech in the Senate Chambers."

Sen. Caines, who is also the Premier's Chief-of-Staff said he would use his time in the Senate to speak out for disenfranchised Bermudians.

"I realise what an awesome responsibility it is to speak on behalf of the people of Bermuda. This is a very humbling experience," he said.