that Bermuda's youth must realise the important role they will play in the Country's future.

Lord Waddington, who was born and raised in a textile-producing area in North Lancashire, told the students how lucky they were to be growing up in such a beautiful part of the world.

Explaining his duties as Governor, Lord Waddington said political decisions lie with Bermuda's elected officials, and that he is primarily the Queen's representative in the Island with limited "reserve powers''.

He reminded the students of their future responsibilities, telling them that one day they will be the ones deciding how Bermuda should be governed.

"You could choose to continue ties to Great Britain, or decide it is time for a change in the constitution,'' he told the youngsters. "One of the most precious things you will have is the right to vote.'' Before his speech, His Excellency was treated to a musical interlude performed by students Geordal Smith and Tyrone Williams, who played God Save the Queen and an excerpt from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on recorders.

SOUND ADVICE -- Students of Devon Lane School in Devonshire surround the Governor of Bermuda Lord Waddington following his address at their morning assembly yesterday.