former Premier Sir John Sharpe, who died last week.

MPs will gather at the House at 11 a.m. before going to the Anglican Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of Sir John, who was an MP from 1963 until 1993.

Yesterday, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox said Sir John had written to her offering advice after she joined the first PLP Cabinet.

She told MPs: "He said it was difficult to make changes without criticism.'' And she recalled serving on the Anglican Church Synod with Sir John.

Ms Cox said: "I found him a gentleman -- there was, and is, a great political divide between us, but he conducted himself with dignity and he was always very helpful.'' The UBP's C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said Sir John, who also held the Finance, Transport and Home Affairs portfolios, had given "valuable service'' in his 30 years in the House.