late Sir Edward Richards, touched off a wave of tributes from MPs yesterday.

Mr. Richards, son of Mr. Everard (Bob) and Felicity Richards, died after an illness.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan told the House of Assembly that Mr. Richards had shown great resilience while he was sick.

He said the former Warwick Academy student, who enjoyed playing the clarinet, had a wide circle of friends.

"We all mourn his loss.'' Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade told MPs how he spent one Christmas with Mr. Richards.

They had a special time together, he added.

Shadow Community Affairs Minister Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams described Mr.

Richards as a "very smart, bright young man''.

He said Mr. Richards went to the Philippines as an exchange student for St.

George's Rotary Club.

Other MPs also voiced regret over Mr. Richards' death, including Shadow Transport Minister Mr. Dennis Lister , Shadow Works Minister Mr. Walter Roberts , and Shadow Labour Minister Mr. Alex Scott .

On a happier note, MPs praised the organisers of the recent World Rugby Classic tournament.

Mr. Wade, describing himself as a sports fan, said he went along to watch and had been "intrigued'' by the game.

He pointed out the tournament boosted tourism, bringing about 7,000 "bednights'' to Bermuda, and attracting TV coverage.

"Even though the sport is growing quietly in Bermuda we can still be supportive of it.'' Sports Minister Ms Pamela Gordon also applauded the rugby tournament organisers.

She then turned to another sporting event, the Merrill Lynch Shoot-Out. The golf tournament had attracted ABC coverage, which presented Bermuda in a very good light, she said.

On a sadder sporting note, MPs expressed regret over the death of top motocross rider Mr. Melvin (Buddy) Joell, 25, who died suddenly in hospital after suffering a blood clot to the brain on Saturday.

"He was a very talented athlete,'' said Mr. Scott.

Several MPs praised the Young Enterprise Programme, saying it was a boon for budding businessmen.

Management Minister the Hon. Grant Gibbons said it gave students an insight into business.

It filled the communication gap between youngsters and the business world, he added.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira also congratulated the programme organisers.

Shadow Environment Minister the Rev. Trevor Woolridge , for his part, applauded the Police officers who had just been promoted.

In particular, he singled out Supt. Larry Smith and Insp. Roseanda Jones who performed their very difficult job admirably.

Insp. Jones, for instance, had shown Christian leadership, said the Rev.

Woolridge.

Also receiving congratulations from MPs were, among others, organisers of the Bermuda Tattoo, the Lions Club for their Lions Quest programme, the Bermuda Nurses Association, and performers of the "Time Tunnel'' show at Sonesta Beach Hotel.

Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ms Renee Webb praised the Bermuda Nurses' Association for organising the Caribbean Nurses Conference.

Deputy Opposition leader Ms Jennifer Smith , meanwhile, congratulated the Bermuda Girl Guides' Association and the Bermuda Union of Teachers on their 75th anniversaries.