Assembly, but Senate yesterday followed the Upper House's lead and ended the year on a strange note.

The last Senate session for 1997 wrapped up on a sentimental note, and it was just as bizarre as last week's protest in the House.

Senate President Albert Jackson shed tears as he cryptically spoke about his future in the Upper Chamber.

The comments came after Opposition Senate leader Milton Scott praised and thanked Sen. Jackson for his service to the Upper House during the motion to adjourn.

Sen. Jackson thanked Sen. Scott for his kind comments and reminded the senators that this was his 13th Christmas in the Senate.

And he admitted that there would eventually come a point in time when there would be discussion about when he will step down.

But he said he was not going to divulge when that "final point'' will come.

The Senate president said he hoped the group would get together soon to celebrate an event, "an inevitable event''.

And he hinted that he might be referring to coming to the "end of the road''.

After a lengthy pause, Sen. Jackson wiped away tears and urged the senators to carry the responsibilities of the Chamber in the next session.

"Senate depends on you,'' he added.

There was hugs all around for the Senate president, but all remained tight lipped on whether Sen. Jackson will be retiring from the top job.

Sen. Scott refused to elaborate on his Senate comments but said that Sen.

Jackson deserved to be recognised in upcoming New Year's honour's list.