that he would be "greatly missed''.

And he released Mr. Coxall's letter of resignation, in which the outgoing top Police officer said he had acted "to end the public speculation as to whether or not I would accept an extension of my contract, if one was offered''.

Mr. Masefield replied: "It is difficult to convey the scope and nature of the transformation under your leadership.'' He cited new equipment, training and reorganisation, together with the wide-ranging service strategy and crime rates which had "decreased dramatically'' as among Mr. Coxall's main achievements.

Mr. Masefield added new development programmes, breaking the glass ceiling for women officers and civilianisation had all had their effect. And he said the revitalised Reserve force and a greater emphasis on community policing would all reap benefits for the community.

He added: "In short, much has been done to modernise and re-focus the Bermuda Police Service, with real achievements already gained and solid foundations laid for further reforms.

"I know that you will be greatly missed by your colleagues in the Service. I know too, that I speak for Bermuda in thanking you for the very evident successes and improvements in the service in recent times.'' Mr. Coxall's letter said the resignation "signifies the end of my 37 years of Police service, 15 of which at the most senior level.'' Coxall, Governor exchange letters the fine men and women of the Service.

"Life in Bermuda as Commissioner of Police has never been easy and I am proud of the achievements of the Bermuda Police Service under my command.'' The letter said: "The goal that I set myself when appointed....to leave the Bermuda Police force as a service, better than I found it, has remained constant.'' But Mr. Coxall said much still had to be done to introduce about half of the 112 separate recommendations in his strategy.

And he expressed his "deep appreciation'' for the greeting he received from senior officers and other ranks when he arrived in Bermuda.

Mr. Coxall said: "I hope that they will understand that all the changes we have made have been in the best interest of the service and the community that we serve.

"The assistance they have given me has made the changes possible. I wish each and every member of the Service success in the future.'' The Royal Gazette , however, understands that Mr. Coxall's resignation comes at the end of a series of clashes with Government.

Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said the reasons for the resignation "might be fairly complex, but only he can say why''.

And he admitted Mr. Coxall could have made his position clear and still finished his contract, not due to end until March, instead of quitting at the end of October, plus leave entitlement.

But Mr. Edness added that he had always been Mr. Coxall's "greatest defender''.

And he said: "Mr. Coxall arrived in Bermuda at a time when many of us in this community were becoming gravely concerned about burgeoning crime and the impact it was having on our lives.'' He added that the Commissioner also faced the difficulties of understanding local culture as well as opposition from those "who felt his presence here to be unnecessary''.

But Mr. Edness said the progress of the force had been `nothing short of remarkable'' under Mr. Coxall and that the Commissioner was "owed a large debt of gratitude'' for his role.

He added: "It is now vitally important that the momentum for change be maintained so that the achievements of the past few years are not lost.

"I pledge my full support to Mr. Coxall's replacememt and to all members of the Bermuda Police Service as they set about their most important task.'' Mr. Edness added that talks between Government and the Governor about a successor had already started.

He declined to speculate on who might lead the force -- but he confirmed existing hierarchy in the force would be considered.

Mr. Edness said: "Top officers should be very much in the forefront of our minds when we consider who will take over the service.'' Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott said he was "surprised'' by Mr.

Coxall's decision to go early "or was caused to, if that's what happened.'' He added: "We expected he would not go before he had accomplished what he was brought here to do -- the placement or naming of Bermudian officers for the post of Commissioner.'' And he said: "I think it was a grand experiment which failed and it should send a clear message that, until we have Bermudians running their own affairs and their own institutions, we will have people who will take one, two, or three years to know the whole culture of the Country.'' Mr. Scott referred to the row surrounding Irving Pearman, the Government Environment Minister caught up in the drugs-busting Operation Cleansweep, although he denied all wrongdoing, and no charges were laid.

He said that Police had the duty to investigate anyone who came to their attention, no matter who they were.

And he said it was right for Mr. Coxall to report to the Governor on anything which might have affected national security.

But he added: "Where somebody may have gone wrong is it would have been inappropriate for Mr. Coxall or the Governor to make a representation to the Premier of a political nature.'' Governor: Coxall will `be missed' By Raymond Hainey Governor Thorold Masefield last night told Police Commissioner Colin Coxall that he would be "greatly missed''.

And he released Mr. Coxall's letter of resignation, in which the outgoing top Police officer said he had acted "to end the public speculation as to whether or not I would accept an extension of my contract, if one was offered''.

Mr. Masefield replied: "It is difficult to convey the scope and nature of the transformation under your leadership.'' He cited new equipment, training and reorganisation, together with the wide-ranging service strategy and crime rates which had "decreased dramatically'' as among Mr. Coxall's main achievements.

Mr. Masefield added new development programmes, breaking the glass ceiling for women officers and civilianisation had all had their effect. And he said the revitalised Reserve force and a greater emphasis on community policing would all reap benefits for the community.

He added: "In short, much has been done to modernise and re-focus the Bermuda Police Service, with real achievements already gained and solid foundations laid for further reforms.

"I know that you will be greatly missed by your colleagues in the Service. I know too, that I speak for Bermuda in thanking you for the very evident successes and improvements in the service in recent times.'' Mr. Coxall's letter said the resignation "signifies the end of my 37 years of Police service, 15 of which at the most senior level.'' Editorial, Cartoon: Page 4 GOVERNOR GOV