The news of the capture of the world?s most wanted man has also sparked pleasure and relief here in Bermuda.

?This certainly is a significant development in Iraq,? Premier Alex Scott said last night.

?I would like to think that because so many lives have been lost, that this development will bring a diminishing of the loss of life in that country.

?And as many residents there had felt a commitment to Saddam, this will help the people move on.?

Deputy Governor Nick Carter told : ?It is excellent news. And as (British Prime Minister) Tony Blair said (yesterday) morning, this will help to bring to a close this whole ghastly situation.

?And it will help give the Iraqi people the confidence they need to successfully return to self Government.?

Meanwhile the parents of Bermudian Jason DiGiacomo, who is currently fighting with the US Army in Iraq, said they were excited to hear the news of Saddam Hussein?s capture.

Speaking from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last night, the DiGiacomos said they had not yet spoken to their son since they heard the news which is making headlines across the globe.

?We heard the news this morning and I?m still excited,? said Bob DiGiacomo.

However, despite the euphoria, he warned: ?It?s not over yet.?

US Consul General Denis Coleman is off the Island until the New Year.