"a date with destiny''. Bermuda has a new government, a new leader and a new Cabinet. It is up to them to meet the high expectations of the people and to demonstrate what the new Premier has promised: "This is not just a victory for the Progressive Labour Party, it's a victory for all of Bermuda.'' Former PLP leader and veteran MP Lois Browne Evans, who has long been Premier Jennifer Smith's mentor, said on Election night: "And I can promise that we will govern with all of Bermuda in mind.'' Former BIU leader Ottiwell Simmons said on Election night: "Now, as the Government, we have been sent our own message. We must listen and we must care for the people. This is something that we have already pledged.'' The PLP government may have much greater power than any UBP Government has ever had. The PLP has a large majority, it is closely allied to the labour unions and it has wide ranging support in the Civil Service.

Premier Jennifer Smith was quick to stamp "Moderate'' on her Cabinet which is not without surprises. The biggest surprise must be the move of Alex Scott out of his Shadow portfolio of Home Affairs and into Works and Engineering which he might find similar to Siberia. The big winner is Paula Cox and the Premier must have seen the lawyer and Bank of Bermuda executive as more acceptable to business, especially international business, after Alex Scott's statements that he would only allow one year work permits.

The second surprise was the Premier keeping the Education portfolio, which she is very good at, for herself. She is likely to be busy enough as a new Premier without the added strain of running Education, especially given the promises of change made by the PLP during the campaign. Added to that is the new presence in the House of generally respected educator Dale Butler who seemed a natural for the Education portfolio.

The Cabinet is a clever combination of experience, Eugene Cox, Lois Browne Evans, David Allen, and youth, Paula Cox, Dennis Lister, with those seen as the radicals relegated to areas where they are unlikely to do the party much damage. Ewart Brown at Transport and Renee Webb at Telecommunications somehow do not seem to be good fits to their ministries but the Premier has kept them "inside'' in positions where their appointments will not cause great consternation.

In time, the PLP will appoint more Senators and take control of the Government Boards and will doubtless replace many long-serving UBP adherents with their own supporters. However the PLP did indicate during the election campaign that it might well leave in place some serving members on the boards. That may well be tempered by the fact that after 35 years in Opposition the PLP has a large number of people it will need to recognise and reward with appointments. The Immigration Board and the Tourism Board will be crucial appointments for the PLP which will want to carry out the reforms it has promised.

Overall, this Cabinet gives every appearance of a good and careful start.