improve the Upper Chamber.

"Women are naturally very good managers,'' said mother-of-two Mrs. Noela Haycock after being sworn in yesterday at Government House.

"After all, we have to run a household as well as hold down a job.'' For the community-spirited Mrs. Haycock, however, the responsibilities don't just end there.

As well as being a St. George's Alderman, the 52-year-old is also on the Preservation Authority -- a double role she intends to continue.

Is she taking on a little too much? "Not a bit of it. I was very surprised indeed when I was approached by the Premier and encouraged to do the job.

"But when I found out what my responsibilities were I said `yes'. I don't believe in taking on something unless I can give my time to it.'' Mrs. Haycock, who took the oath of allegiance with Governor Lord Waddington at her side, carries the portfolio of Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Planning and Natural Resources.

It brings to five the number of women in the Senate.

Also sworn in yesterday was Sen. Larry Scott, who takes on the job of Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Development, Sport and Recreation, Transport and Aviation Services. He is no stranger to the Upper House.

Joining relatives of Mrs. Haycock at the VIP ceremony were Premier the Hon.

David Saul, Education Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill, Transport Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert and Solicitor General Mr. Barrie Meade.

Dr. Saul hailed the two Senators, saying they perfectly complemented one another.

While Sen. Scott was renowned for his wit and humour, Sen. Haycock would carry her experience as a businesswoman to the Senate.

"We have got the perfect balance,'' he said.

The choice of Mrs. Haycock, wife of Bermuda Home president Mr. Arthur Haycock, appears to be part of Government's efforts to boost its sagging fortunes in the East End.

Since 1989, the United Bermuda Party has lost both seats in St. George's North to the Opposition Progressive Labour Party. While holding both seats in St.

George's South, it has seen its victory margin shrink.

She has strong roots in the Old Town, being born and brought up in St.

George's, and a keen sense of its architecture and history.

After getting a degree in cartography at Briarcliff College in New York, she returned to Bermuda, marrying at the age of 31.

When her father died about 13 years ago, Mrs. Haycock took over the family perfume business, becoming managing director of Peniston Brown Co. Ltd. in St.

George's.

In 1988, she was first elected to the Corporation as a common councillor, and for the last five years has been an Alderman, taking on responsibility for the streets of St. George's and the Fire Service.

"At this stage I have no particular projects in mind as a Senator. It is early days yet,'' she said.

Asked what kind of attributes she would bring to the Upper House, she replied: "Commonsense, forthrightness and good research. I also hope to introduce intelligent discussion.

"This probably sounds awfully vain, and I don't want to come across that way.

I do, however, intend to work very hard at being a good Senator.'' Meanwhile, the Cabinet Office yesterday announced several other Senate portfolio appointments.

Minister of Legislative Affairs and Women's Issues and Government Senate Leader Sen. Mrs. Lynda Milligan-Whyte will have responsibility for Finance; Education and Human Affairs, while Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Sen. Yvette Swan will carry the Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety portfolio.

Sen. Gary Pitman will be Parliamentary Secretary for Works and Engineering, Parks and Housing; Tourism and Marine Services; Technology and Information.