recently retired point man in Government's war on the Island's housing problem.

Frog Lane Condominium Association chairman Terry Flood said the news of Bermuda Housing Corporation general manager Edward Cowen's retirement had deeply saddened him.

"I am personally saddened by his departure and so are quite a few of the committee members,'' Mr. Flood said. "Under Mr. Cowen's management, the residents at Frog Lane have achieved many goals.'' A good example of Mr.

Cowen's efforts was the reconstruction of the Cedar Park complex in Prospect, noted Mr. Flood.

"Cedar Park had started to get pretty run down. Homeowners were allowed to get a second mortgage and reconstruct their places -- renovate them and make them more attractive. Those places look quite nice now and their value has gone up.

"He was successful in working with us on the development of many projects in the Prospect area, including CedarBridge Academy, the national sports complex and the road widening project at Frog Lane.

"He worked closely with us up until his resignation on important issues of the area.'' Mr. Cowen met regularly with residents and the area's MPs, continued Mr.

Flood, and would regularly attend committee functions. "His public relations with most residents was on line,'' Mr. Flood said. "He would visit us and meet with our committee once a month and correspond with us regularly in between (meetings).

"He would always make sure he could attend and his attendance was greatly accepted by the committee members and residents.'' Mr. Flood added: "I wish him all the best in the future. On behalf of the residents at Frog Lane, I would like to thank him for working with us over the past years. The committee looks forward to continuing this great relationship with the new general manager, whoever it may be.''