The first sitting of the Senate this parliamentary session was brief. Besides the swearing in of two new senators, the only official item of substance on the agenda was the first reading of the Statistics Act.

A number of senators welcomed new members - Victoria Pearman, of the ruling Progressive Labour Party, and Neville Darrell of the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

The Senate also stood for a minute of silence in respect of Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister, who died on February 9.

And it noted the passing and funeral of former politician Haskins Davies. Three reports were tabled in the Upper Chamber - the Hospital Board's report for the year 2000, Regulations for e-commerce certificate providers and the 2001 Economic Review.