Police Commissioner Mr. Lennett Edwards is back at the helm of the Bermuda Police Service after undergoing several months of successful treatment in Boston.

And he extended thanks to all those in the business community and the churches whose prayers and well wishes were a source of strength during the more difficult phases of his treatment.

"I have been encouraged by the numerous inquires from Bermuda at large,'' he said.

"I can safely say those from the grass roots to corporate Bermuda have been very concerned, particularly the churches. They have done a lot and prayed for my well being.

"I have been so encouraged by that and I just wanted to say thank you.'' Mr. Edwards confirmed that he will stay on until he is relieved, perhaps as soon as the end of the month.

At that time British commissioner and deputy commissioner designates Mr. Colin Coxall and Mr. Michael Mylod, whose appointments have been the focus of much controversy, will take over.

Mr. Edwards said he did not know when he was going to be replaced, but said he was hopeful it would be "sooner rather than later,'' because he was anxious to start his retirement.

"I don't have a date, but it is thought to be sometime in the region of the latter part of March,'' he said.

Mr. Edwards was promoted to the top post nearly three years ago. When he retires he will have served close to 35 years. Ill health forced Mr. Edwards to go overseas for treatment late last year but he told The Royal Gazette yesterday his prognosis has improved.

"I'm doing quite well,'' he said. "The treatment is ongoing. The light at the end of the tunnel is much better than it was about six months ago.'' Mr. Alex Forbes, who has been filling in as acting commissioner in Mr.

Edwards' absence, is now on pre-retirement leave and is expected to retire in October after 31 years.

Meanwhile Mr. Edwards heaped praise on Mr. Forbes who agreed to delay his scheduled retirement, originally slated for September 1994.

"He was literally in charge at a very difficult time,'' Mr. Edwards said.

"...crime, particularly violent crime just spiralled and he was left with a lot of things to do.

"I think he did a tremendous job and I cannot say thank you enough to him as acting commissioner for the job that he did, and I wish him well in his retirement.'' Mr. Edwards presided over a farewell party for Mr. Forbes at the officers' mess last week.

Despite being on pre-retirement leave, Mr. Forbes will be acting commissioner whenever Mr. Edwards is away receiving follow-up treatment.

Mr. Forbes, 54, became deputy commissioner in 1992 after joining the Police Service in 1963.

He served in both uniform and special branch but has mostly been involved in finance and administration.

During his younger days, Mr. Forbes played hooker for the Bermuda Police Rugby Football Club and had a stint in the national team. He is also an avid golfer.

He has a son and a daughter.

BACK IN CHARGE -- Police Commissioner Lennett Edwards.

STEPPING ASIDE -- Acting Commissioner Alex Forbes.