of this month's meeting of Commonwealth Parliamentarians.

It was the speech by a South African senator after his country returned to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Sen. Govan A.M. Mbeki told of the challenges facing South Africa in the post-apartheid era.

"It was a very stirring speech. He thanked the Commonwealth for all its support,'' Mr. Gibbons said.

"He spoke of the great strides that had been made, although he accepted there was still much to do.

"This was both in terms of integration and the financial structure, as well as social and economic considerations.'' Mr. Gibbons was part of a four-man delegation to the association's conference in Banff, Alberta.

The others were Opposition MP the Rev. Trevor Woolridge, House Clerk Mr. James Smith and Speaker the Hon. Ernest DeCouto, who headed the delegation.

The theme of the conference was "Parliament and People -- Making Democratic Institutions More Representative, Responsible and Relevant''.

Immediately preceding the meeting was the 14th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference of Members of Small Countries.

Mr. Gibbons said AIDS and drug abuse were also on the agendas for both conferences.

He added Mr. Woolridge outlined steps being taken by Bermuda to combat the problem.

These included "interdiction, prosecution of drug offenders, and rehabilitation'', said Mr. Gibbons.

He said the conference also demonstrated how Bermuda was much better off than most other countries.