yesterday and declared: "I'm feeling good.'' But Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards -- who has taken extended leave -- did little to end speculation over his illness.

Parrying questions from reporters, he declined to disclose what he is being treated for at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Instead, he said with a laugh: "I am taking what I think is a deserved rest.

My wife is enjoying seeing me.'' And continuing the vein, he added: "I feel as good as can be expected. I feel I could be on a tennis court, but I have to listen to the advice of my wife and doctor.'' Mr. Edwards, 54, was speaking at a Press conference at Front Street's Number One Shed which formed a centrepiece of Police Week.

Smartly dressed in a grey suit, he said he had returned to Bermuda after receiving the "first round of treatment'' in Boston.

"I will be returning there in about three weeks. The treatment will be ongoing for about a couple of months,'' he added.

In the meantime, Mr. Alex Forbes will continue as Acting Commissioner.

One of the first people he visited after flying back to Bermuda was Governor Lord Waddington.

"I gave him an update on how my treatment is going.'' He has delivered similar reports to Deputy Governor Mr. Peter Willis, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan and Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman.

Asked about the prognosis for his condition, Mr. Edwards replied: "It's a bit early.

"I had the first round of treatment late last week and the early part of this week.'' Suggesting his illness had caught him by surprise, he continued: "I have been blessed with 50-plus healthy years.'' Mr. Edwards said he had gone to the Boston hospital for treatment because he had been told it provided excellent care.

Mr. Edwards said he had been overwhelmed by the show of concern by Bermudians over his health.

"I am quite humbled by the experience,'' he said.