down yesterday after almost six years at the helm.

Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay and MP and former assistant Police Commissioner Wayne Perinchief said they were indebted to the efforts of McNeil Warner, who has chaired the charity since it began six years ago.

Former school principal Mr. Warner, 74, was joined for a farewell lunch at The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club by directors of the crime-busting organisation and guests.

And as a special honour, new chairman David Carruthers said members had decided to make Mr. Warner a patron of Crime Stoppers and hoped he would continue to be involved with the group.

Mr. Warner and Mr. Perinchief decided to set up Crime Stoppers in 1994 in response to growing concerns about rising crime.

The organisation has become so successful, last year it resulted in the seizure of $3 million worth of drugs and received 173 calls from people with information.

Mr. Carruthers described Mr. Warner as a "man of great ability and capacity .... respected throughout the entire community''.

He added: "From my perspective he has played two vital roles. The first was that of catalyst. The second role McNeil played was that of founding father.

He took this fledgling organisation and nurtured it. He simply just made it work.

"The success of your efforts is obvious -- you leave the ship very well appointed.'' Mr. Perinchief said the biggest challenge for him six years ago was to pick someone to head the charity who could make it work.

And he went on: "It's a real privilege to know someone who is as good as yourself -- someone who is really committed to the community.'' Mr. Warner received a plaque showing the badge of Bermuda and an inscription thanking him for his involvement with Crime Stoppers.

After the presentation, Mr. Warner said the success had been achieved with the help of everyone, but most of all the public.

He added: "Bermuda is close to my heart. I am very grateful for the honour that has been bestowed on me and I shall continue to work with and for Bermuda Crime Stoppers.'' People can report information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1-800-623-8477.

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