Governor Thorold Masefield has denied Bermuda's former Police Commissioner resigned because of the controversial Pearman Affair drugs investigation.

Colin Coxall, who finally quit Bermuda on Friday, resigned shortly after ordering an investigation surrounding Environment Minister John Irving Pearman.

Two suspected drug dealers, arrested as part of Operation Cleansweep, were found with cheques made out by Mr. Pearman. Later the Minister claimed he wrote the cheques to pay for work carried out by the men at his home.

Mr. Coxall also faced frequent accusations that he could not get on with senior officers and failed to promote enough black officers to the Police hierarchy.

But the Governor yesterday dismissed calls for a Commission of Inquiry into exactly why Mr. Coxall resigned.

Instead, he thanked the former Commissioner for doing "an outstanding job'' during two-and-a-half years as Bermuda's top cop.

Government House also applauded Mr. Coxall for reforming the Bermuda Police Service.

In a prepared statement, the Governor said: "Since the resignation of Colin Coxall there has been much rumour, speculation and partially-informed comment on the circumstances of his departure.

"When dealing with personalities and personal issues there are inevitably constraints on what can be said.

"We can however state categorically that Colin Coxall's resignation was not as a result of any action of his in what has become known as the Pearman Affair.

"Calls for a Commission of Inquiry are misplaced. Mr. Coxall's resignation was discussed with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Police Adviser who was on the Island at the time.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been kept fully informed.'' The Governor added that Mr. Coxall left Bermuda Police Service "in good shape''.

Coxall resignation He said: "In his two-and-a-half years as Police Commissioner, Colin Coxall did an outstanding job.

"The reforms of the Bermuda Police Service during this time have had a dramatic and positive impact on crime levels in Bermuda.

"It should be recalled that the Governor and the Government at the time instituted the reform process.

"Colin Coxall and his deputies were the instruments for the implementation of that will.'' The Governor said the reform process would continue with new laws to carry the new Police Strategy forward.

He also said a new Commissioner would have to be appointed as soon as possible.

The Governor added: "Our priority now is, and must be, to ensure that the reform process continues and that the next Commissioner is appointed soon to assure that the Police Service builds on what has been achieved so far.'' Mr. Coxall was unavailable for comment last night as he is on holiday in Boston.

He and wife Shirley return home to England later this week, where they will plan their retirement.

Mr. Coxall, 57, did speak to The Royal Gazette at Bermuda International Airport as he prepared to leave the Island.

He thanked Bermudians for their support and said: "I would love to come back -- but certainly only for a holiday.''