Lennett (Lennie) Edwards declared last night: "I'm feeling quite well.'' Mr. Edwards revealed he intended spending Christmas with his family in Bermuda.

But he would be leaving the Island again for further medical care shortly afterwards.

"I'm responding quite well to treatment according to my doctors,'' he said.

"The prognosis is excellent.'' Mr. Edwards admitted his decision to retire from the Police had been difficult.

"Naturally I am very sad. I have been with the Force 34 years and I had been asked to stay on a further two years. I will miss the job very much.'' Officially Mr. Edwards, who has been on sick leave, steps down on March 1.

In practice, however, his retirement takes immediate effect.

Mr. Edwards was promoted to Police Commissioner on April 15, 1992, replacing Mr. Clive Donald.

He was the second Bermuda-born Commissioner in the Island's history.

At the time he was just three years short of hitting the mandatory retirement age of 55.

He had joined the Force in 1961 after being convinced by friends to quit his job as a Bermudiana Hotel bellhop.

After eight years as a constable, he finally won his sergeant's stripes.

His slow initial climb up the career ladder, he once told The Royal Gazette , made him keenly aware of the need to speed up promotions.

Promotion, however, for the young Mr. Edwards did speed up.

He spent 10 years with the Criminal Investigation Division, and 11 years with Special Branch, including three years in charge.

When he took on the Commissioner's job, Mr. Edwards was confronted with enormous pressures brought on by the recession.

The flagging economy in 1992 had affected Police resources, recruiting and the behaviour of the public.

At the time of his promotion, Mr. Edwards blamed the economy for contributing to the crime problem.

In 1993 Bermuda was rocked by an increase in crime and violence, and a surge in drug use.

Edwards retires early As the Police grappled with these problems, manpower was decreased from 489 to 432.

In the 1993 Bermuda Police report, Mr. Edwards said: "This reduction in manpower meant that each and every member of staff was tasked with additional responsibilities with which to cope.'' Mr. Edwards, who expressed a desire to Bermudianise the Force, was also caught up in controversy when the contracts of 18 expatriate officers were not renewed.

Police were hit by a law suit from the officers, although some of the men were later allowed back into the Force.

Criticisms were also directed at the Police for not Bermudianising the Force enough.

And Mr. Edwards facing accusations of plummeting morale, and frustration among officers seeking promotion.

Nevertheless, tributes poured in yesterday for Mr. Edwards.

Shadow Labour Minister Mr. Alex Scott said he was devastated by news of his retirement.

"He was a breath of fresh air in the Force,'' said Mr. Scott.

He added: "We could see the Force turning around under his command. He lived up to all our expectations, and we hope he is going to be able to continue to play a part in the community.'' Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman said he was also sorry to hear the news.

Government had every regard and respect for Mr. Edwards and the way he had served the Country.

Mr. Edwards also enjoyed a good rapport with the media, and had a reputation for being very accessible.