"outstanding Bermudians'' as the first recipients of its initial award.

And parliamentarians united in sending congratulations to recipients former Government senator and Minister the Hon. Robert (Bobby) Barritt and human rights activist Mr. Roosevelt Brown.

"I'm very glad that the Commission paid tribute to those gentlemen while they are still living and able to receive their awards,'' Mr. Reginald Burrows (PLP) said. "I only hope that this is the beginning of many awards the Commission will be giving.'' Community and Cultural Affairs Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons (UBP) said by honouring Mr. Barritt and Mr. Brown, the Commission set a good example to "us that we should follow''.

The Hon. Clarence Terceira (UBP), who is a close friend of Mr. Barritt, said the former Community and Cultural Affairs Minister brought a new dimension to politics in Bermuda.

Dr. Terceira said Mr. Barritt, who was also instrumental in the universal adult suffrage movement, is missed in Government.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade congratulated Mr. Brown who is known for his human rights efforts in and out of Bermuda.

"Regarding adult suffrage in Bermuda,'' Mr. Wade said, "if there was one single act which broadened Bermuda, it would be the Franchise Act. That was Mr. Brown's main piece of work for this country, but other countries can give awards for his work which includes working with Aborigines in Australia and in Africa.'' Mr. Wade said this certainly proves that Bermuda has national heroes who have a day set aside for their recognition.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan offered congratulations to both Mr. Barritt and Mr. Brown.

"He was always very sensitive to the make-up of Bermuda and what could be done to advance our people, particularly as a multi-cultural society,'' Sir John said.

He also praised Mr. Brown, who served on the universal adult suffrage committee with him, and canvassed the community to get support for universal adult suffrage.

"It was that experience which enlightened myself about the political process,'' said Sir John, who was not in politics at the time.

"He and I went to Howard Academy and Central School together,'' he said.

"You can see that our paths came a long way together. Obviously they separated when he became a member of the Progressive Bermuda Party and I of the United Bermuda Party. But Bermuda is better off today as result of his efforts.'' Miss Jennifer Smith (PLP) asked the House to congratulate the Human Rights Award recipients, the Bermuda Construction Association and the two young Bermudians, St. George's Secondary student Giovanni Wilson and Northlands student Victor Peixoto, who received scholarships from the association.

Miss Smith said this not only encourages Bermudians to get into the construction industry, it also ensures that they are qualified.

"I just hope to see it more fully subscribed next time,'' she said.

Shadow Sports Minister Mr. Dennis Lister (PLP) asked that congratulations be sent to Bermudian nine-year-old Katrina Horton Perinchief, who won the under 11 age group in the Ontario Division of The Diving Institute in Canada.

Mr. Stanley Lowe (PLP) congratulated St. George's Secondary and Warwick Academy 1992 graduates.

Mrs. Lois Browne Evans (PLP) asked that congratulations be sent to her relative and retired educator Ms Elsie Louise Browne who recently retired after 42 years in the education system.

On a sad note, Mrs. Browne Evans asked the House to send condolences to the family of the late Mrs. Iontha (Doris) Braithwaite "a remarkable senior citizen who died at age 92 years and some months''.

Mrs. Browne Evans, who attended Mrs. Braithwaite's funeral, noted that the deceased's grandson, Steven Burgess, called the ceremony a "tribute to an outstanding athlete''.

The Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto (UBP), who also attended the funeral, called Mrs. Braithwaite "a cornerstone of the St. John's Road community''.

She agreed with Mrs. Browne Evans that up until shortly before Mrs.

Braithwaite's death, she could be seen "with a very agile, spritely step climbing the steep hill to her home''.

"She will be severely missed,'' Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto said.

Mr. Harry Soares (UBP) and the Hon. David Saul (UBP) asked that condolences be sent to the family of Mrs. Lorraine Adderley who devoted hours of service to Bermuda's youth.

Dr. David Dyer (UBP), who congratulated the Human Rights Award recipients, also asked that condolences be sent to the family of the late Mr. Edward Ambrose (Chop Suey) Smith.

Mr. Phillip Smith (UBP) asked the House to send condolences to the family of the late Mr. Alec Reginald Fuge, a long-serving employee of Cable and Wireless.