Sir Richard Gozney yesterday pledged to imbibe the spirit of Bermudians as he was sworn in as the Island's new Governor.

In a brief speech outside Cabinet, Sir Richard said he and his wife Lady Diana had spoken to a number of his predecessors in recent weeks.

"They have spoken warmly of the nature and very essence of Bermuda and of the tremendous spirit of Bermudians," he said. "The two of us look forward to imbibing that essence of Bermuda and to meeting as many Bermudians as possible."

Sir Richard, who replaces Sir John Vereker, said he would keep quotations from former Progressive Labour Party leader Dame Lois Browne Evans and 17th Century Governor Nathaniel Butler in a drawer in his office.

He read out this comment from Dame Lois: "This is Bermuda. You know us all. Remember you are your brother's keeper. Say not evil if you cannot say good. Respect each other for the common cause. Our Bermuda people exercising good common sense, of which we have an abundance."

Sir Richard added: "With their highly principled thoughts to help to guide me, and the advice of many other Bermudians, I hope to serve Bermuda well."

Premier Ewart Brown spoke to welcome Sir Richard and said he hoped he would enjoy Bermudians' trademark friendliness.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Bermuda's new Governor to our shores," said the Premier. "Sir Richard is a career diplomat and one of considerable skill.

"I fully expect that he will bring to bear that skill in carrying out his role as Governor, recognising the uniqueness of our democracy here in Bermuda.

"Sir Richard, Lady Gozney, it is my hope that you will find the Bermudian people every bit as friendly and welcoming as our reputation boasts. As you come to know us I hope your time in Bermuda will be one of warmth and that your community involvement demonstrates that we are a kind and caring people.

"Already you have shown a keen sense of timing, having arrived at the zenith of a hard-fought election campaign.

"However, it is the Christmas season and with that in mind, in addition to a very warm welcome, allow me to wish you and your family, Season's Greetings on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda. Welcome!"

Yesterday, Police revealed security had been increased around Dr. Brown after postal workers intercepted a package containing a bullet and threatening letter addressed to him.

It was difficult to tell whether the handful of Police officers at the swearing-in event were a direct result of a stepping up of security.

The Premier was not escorted as he introduced Sir Richard to members of the Cabinet and the legal community. He was accompanied by Chief of Staff Wayne Caines as he climbed into his car at the end of the ceremony.

Sir Richard previously served as British High Commissioner to Nigeria and Her Majesty's Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

A career diplomat, he served in Argentina, Indonesia and Swaziland and has also worked in the Foreign Commonwealth Office as Head of Section for NATO nuclear arms control, Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary and Head of Security Policy Department.

He was awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 2006.