as the Island celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Constitution.

And Community Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons and former long-time Cabinet Minister the Hon. Sir John Plowman encouraged all Bermudians to share in the celebrations.

The events, which have been designed by a committee chaired by Sir John, will begin with a joint session of the House of Assembly and the Senate on June 8 -- exactly 25 years after the introduction of the Constitution which brought about one person-one vote and put responsibility on Government Ministers.

Sir John said more than 60 present and previous members of both houses will be invited to the short session -- which is expected to include speeches by the Governor Lord Waddington, Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson, House Speaker the Hon. David Wilkinson, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, and Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade.

After the session, which is not expected to have any major business on the agenda, present and former members will walk in procession to the Anglican Cathedral on Church Street where an ecumenical service will begin at 5.15 p.m.

This will be followed by a reception at Government House hosted by Lady Waddington.

A "historical-purpose'' booklet on changes made to the Constitution over the past 25 years will also be published by the end of the year.

Sir John said this was currently being prepared by civil servants and those in the political field.

"Hopefully with that there will be a better understanding of changes that have taken place over the past 25 years,'' he said.

The Bermuda College will also host a two-day seminar on Constitutional matters in November.