General is no exception.

Mr. Elliott Mottley trod cautiously while facing the Press after being sworn in at Government House yesterday.

Quizzed about his views on the death penalty, the top Barbados criminal lawyer said: "I have no opinion.'' And asked whether he planned to make any changes, he replied it was too early to say.

"It's difficult for me to answer. I have to see what is happening.'' There was a hint, however, he would have a higher profile than his predecessor, Mr. Walter Maddocks, whose energies were devoted to administration.

"I expect to play a greater role in the courts,'' he revealed.

Mr. Mottley, 54, was sworn in yesterday before Governor Lord Waddington, who congratulated him on his new $107,876-a-year job.

"I am sure you will enjoy your time here in Bermuda.'' The former president of the Barbados Bar Association responded: "I am delighted to be here.

"I look forward to a long and fruitful service in Bermuda.'' Also present at the ceremony were Acting Premier the Hon. Clarence Terceira, Chief Justice the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward and Solicitor General Mr. Barrie Meade.

MR. ELLIOTT MOTTLEY:`Delighted to be here.'