On the occasion of the ceremonial convening of the Legislature a week ago, it seemed that all eyes were on His Excellency Governor Sir Richard Gozney, the Bermuda Regiment and the newly coronated leader of the ruling PLP and Bermuda's Premier, Hon. Paula A. Cox.

And as the old folks used to say in the most laudatory terms, "there were no flies on" the newly sworn-in Government Senator LaVerne Furbert.

LaVerne, as she is respectfully known, is often more heard than seen in public impacting on talk radio and for a while on her own Sunday radio programme that she hosted on KJAZ Station. In another medium, is one the editors and a controversial columnist of the BIU newspaper, The Workers Voice. As is the case with many an outspoken journalist or political activist, Laverne has had her share of those in the public arena who either like you or loathe you, depending on what's happening at a particular time.

In any case, her back has been well covered since she became Senator LaVerne, first when sworn in at Government House by the Governor as a Junior Minister, and later in the week, looking most fashionable in her broad brim hat at the convening when formally sworn in as a Senator by Senate President Carol Bassett at the ceremonial convening. Sen. Bassett also drew attention to the new Opposition Leader in the Senate, Sen. Jean Atherden.