Public Service Association who will retire the end of November.

After 18 years in the BPSA, Eugene Blakeney confirmed on Friday that he will retire on November 28.

But Mr. Blakeney, 64, was upset news of his impending retirement broke before he had the chance to inform the general membership of the union.

"The story is true,'' he said. "But I haven't given any official notification yet.

"I will be notifying the membership in our paper (newsletter),'' he added.

"Only the executive knew about this.'' The BPSA represents civil and other white collar workers.

Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness paid tribute to Mr. Blakeney -- a former Progressive Labour Party MP.

"Mr. Blakeney has made a major contribution to Bermuda with his contribution to trade unionism,'' he said. "He is a man who has great experience. He will be very much missed.

"I, for one, hate to see him go, but I understand that we all must come to that time when we have take that path.

"On behalf of the Bermuda Government I'd like to wish him a happy retirement.

And personally I would like to say that I have appreciated his advise and counsel over the years.'' Bermuda Industrial Union Chief Derrick Burgess said he was saddened by Mr.

Blakeney's forthcoming departure.

"It is regrettable in a way,'' he said. "With the contributions and knowledge he has, I just hope that the trade union movement does not lose him entirely.''