Educators at the Bermuda Union of Teachers' annual conference were honoured on Tuesday morning as the first group to officially receive incoming Premier Jennifer Smith.

The theme of the conference, "Progressive Education -- Preparing for the Future'', was well matched to Monday's election results.

And Ms Smith, who opted to keep the Education portfolio she had held as Opposition Leader when the Cabinet was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon, rode on a tidal wave of euphoria, making an early appearance and praising teachers for moulding the minds of young people.

BUT president Michael Charles was very enthusiastic about the anticipated effect of a PLP Government on teachers Island wide.

"I'm looking forward positively to that simply because I feel this Government will be more sensitive,'' he said.

"The Premier designate did promise to listen to us -- which is something we didn't have in the past, so we're looking forward to bigger and better things.

"The fact that the Premier designate took time out after what I'm sure was a very late night to be here -- it speaks volumes and we consider it a real honour that she would come here this morning.'' Mr. Charles commented on the work that needed to be done in the future and mentioned the "battle with the ministry'' that the BUT had become involved with.

This year's conference was almost cancelled after a conflict with dates prompted Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher to give an ultimatum -- which the BUT unanimously stood down.

"They seem to think after 15 years of this conference we should be still begging...as a union, we don't feel that way and we hope this won't have to come down to confrontation.

"The day is really for teachers to meet in fellowship and engage in meaningful professional development.

"The conference started because the Ministry didn't consider professional development until recent times,'' he added.

Educators Sylvia Caines, Shirley Christopher, Margaret Lee, Yvonne Pearson, Veronica Phillips, Eris Smith, Rosanne Swainson and Virginia Wilson were honoured at the conference as they retired from the profession.

Workshops available through the conference included "You're Teaching: Are They Learning? Getting Results at Your School'', "Gang Awareness Information'' and "Music Technology''.

POLITICS PTL