Rebecca Middleton's parents have given cautious support for the Serious Crimes Commission's report with both saying it was a "step in the right direction''.

But David and Cindy Middleton, who are divorced and spoke independently, said they would keep a close eye on Government's promise to implement the recommendations contained in the 104 page report.

"I haven't read it closely but the Report is good for Bermuda,'' Mr.

Middleton said yesterday. "It's a little too late for helping my family, but it will help the people of Bermuda.

"It's something that should have been done a long time ago,'' he added. "We did want an inquiry on Becky's case and we were worried that it would be watered down -- a whitewash. To that end it is not 100 percent of what we wanted but it is a step in the right direction.

"If they would implement all the recommendations, that would be a tremendous step forward,'' he explained. "We will be watching.

Mrs. Middleton said: "I have read the entire report and I think they have made some good recommendations. When I was pushing for an inquiry, I wanted it to be on Becky's death.

"But I found this to be broad ranging,'' she added. "It wasn't exactly what I wanted but it is something that Bermuda needed desperately.'' Mrs. Middleton continued: "The proof, however, will be in the pudding whether everything will be implemented. It's long overdue.

"As I have always said, if people were responsible to their jobs and have respect for their jobs then you wouldn't have all this bungling and pointing of fingers. Let's face it, this isn't the first time something like this has happened.'' Mr. Middleton struck a similar chord, saying: "If you look at the trial then you know that it was absolutely horrendous the way it was bungled.

"All you had to do was listen to (Justis Smith's lead attorney) Mr. (John) Perry. They were so far off track, the only thing worse that they could have done was to have done nothing.'' "Bermuda is a very progressive society, with banking and the like and it promotes itself in tourism. But when it comes down to it, Bermuda seems to be lagging behind the world.'' When asked about the Commission's finding on former Principal Crown Counsel Brian Calhoun's request to bow out of the trial for personal reasons and non-appearance before the Commission, Mr. Middleton responded: "I do think that someone should have subpoenaed Brian Calhoun. He's hiding behind his personal reasons,'' he said. "And I think Elliott Mottley should have been asked, he was there.

"I think Khamisi Tokunbo should have been asked, he was there,'' Mr.

Middleton continued. "It seems as though you're curing the symptoms rather than the problem.

"The real question is why (Police) had no direction. I think Colin Coxall should have been brought back. That opportunity was missed. Basically they (Police) seemed slow to react to the nature of the crime.'' On the subject of his relations to Bermuda and Bermudians, the Middletons were conciliatory.

"No, I don't have any ill will toward Bermudians,'' he said. "But they're too laid back. It's almost like you criticise something and it seems you're criticising them, when you're not.

"Bermudians are a very genuine and very friendly people. But other countries would not have allowed this to go on so long,'' he concluded. "The people of Bermuda are good people but there are some rotten apples among them and unfortunately Becky had to stumble across some.'' He said that other Bermudians had told him of their unsatisfactory experiences with Police and the courts with serious crime cases.

He added that he had sympathy for them for having to wait years for explanations of what is wrong.

Mr. Middleton reiterated he only wants for Bermuda to improve the investigation and prosecution of crime.

"We're going to be watching to see if these things are going to be implemented,'' he said, adding that he would like to see the entire report available on the Internet.

Mrs. Middleton said of Bermuda: "You know, this could happen in any country, whether it's 20 miles long or like Canada. I just think it could have been handled better.'' Mr. Middleton welcomed the introductory comments by Governor Thorold Masefield and Premier Jennifer Smith expressing sympathy, but added: "You know, we got more response from the media than we got from the Government.'' Rick Meens, the Bermuda resident who was hosting Rebecca Middleton, deferred most comment to the Middleton's.

But he said he "takes it at face value'' that the recommendations will be implemented, and he was pleased that the Attorney General, Dame Lois Browne Evans is now willing to consider amending law dealing with appeals that mix facts and points of law.

"Everything is looking favourably,'' he said. "It's just a matter of putting the recommendations in place. Hopefully this will push them. Yes, I'm satisfied but I'd rather leave that to Dave and Cindy.'' No quite satisfied: David Middleton, left and family friend Rick Meens.