critics of his appointment firmly in the dock.

Last year Opposition Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade had called for a non-Bermudian to be given the job.

But Sir James said yesterday: "I firmly believe we as Bermudians must take charge of our affairs.'' Sir James, who retired last year as Chief Justice, stressed he was not making a case for Independence.

He continued: "I am a firm believer in self-determination for the people of Bermuda. I believe in so far as we can run our own affairs we should do so.'' Sir James, age 71, was speaking after being sworn in at Government House as president of the Court of Appeal.

With Governor Lord Waddington at his side, he signed the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath. The appointment is for three years.

Said Lord Waddington: "I want to congratulate you on your appointment. We should all consider ourselves very fortunate that someone with your standing and experience should take on this job.'' Sir James replied: "I hope to uphold the dignity of the office.'' Believed to be the first Bermudian appointed to the post, Sir James has replaced outgoing president, the Hon. Sir Denys Roberts, who moved into the position in October 1988.

Sir James was sworn in as a judge on the Court of Appeal in 1994 after retiring as Chief Justice.

The former Berkeley Institute pupil, who was born in Warwick East on October 4, 1923, cut his legal teeth at the University of Toronto and the Inns of Court in London.

He spent 18 years in the Caribbean, rising to become Acting High Court Judge.

On his return to Bermuda, Sir James became Senior Magistrate and then Solicitor General.

In 1977 he became the first black Bermudian to be Chief Justice, and five years later was knighted.

In the House of Assembly last December, Mr. Wade described Sir James' appointment as Court of Appeal president as "incestuous,'' saying he was opposed to a Bermudian being given the job.

"The Court of Appeal is one area where we don't want a policy of Bermudianisation,'' he said.

He added the Court of Appeal should be made up of non-Bermudians who could take an independent look at court cases.

Yesterday Sir James pointed out many Bermudians had congratulated him on his appointment.

He only knew of one person who had objected to it, he said, without identifying the critic.

TAKING THE OATH -- Former Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood is sworn in as president of the Court of Appeal yesterday. Next to him is Governor Lord Waddington.