Lower House this session were as profound as night and day.

Meeting yesterday for the last time before the summer recess, some Senators could not help but indulge in a little crowing about how objective, positive, and constructive their debates had been, unlike those of their counterparts in the Lower House, where the tenor debate was, to put it politely, less civilised.

"There is no doubt when comparing the quality of debates in the Upper and Lower House who comes out in front, and it's this chamber,'' Independent Sen.

Alf Oughton said as the Senate session drew to a close.

His comments followed on the heels of Opposition Sen. Terry Lister, who paid tribute the positive and constructive atmosphere that had taken hold in the Upper Chamber.

Because of the absence of personal and political infighting, he observed, Senate debates seemed much more enlightened.

There is no doubt Senators had earned their summer vacation, said Government leader in the Upper House, Sen. Gary Pitman, who agreed with his PLP counterpart in noting how dignified proceedings had been this past session.

"If we treat ourselves with respect then we will be respected by the people,'' Government Sen. Larry Scott added, saying that measure of respect is due in no small part to the steady hand of the Senate President Albert Jackson.

Sen. Jackson told Senators that while unelected, they nevertheless had a constitutional obligation to see the Upper House serves the interests of the people.

This session in particular, to a far greater extent than those in the past, had achieved a greater level of objectivity and steered clear of the time-consuming acrimony and personal attacks that so characterised the House of Assembly.

At a time when expressions of violence seemed to take hold in daily life, the Upper Chamber has a responsibility to steer Bermuda towards a more stable and secure lifestyle.

On closing Sen. Jackson said with talk of an election in the air, he knew not "where the fates lead'' but expressed the hope that they would meet again in November.

In the meantime he urged his fellow Senators to work throughout the summer to return a sense of peace and tranquility to the land.

In other matters brought to the Upper House during the Motion to Adjourn, Sen.

Noela Haycock paid tribute to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which is due to open its doors this week.

The East Broadway institute would be sure to play a leading role in educating Bermudians and tourists alike about the impact oceans have on our everyday life, she said.

Sen. Neletha Butterfield (PLP) drew the Senate's attention to the opening of Gate 4 at the former US Naval Air Station, saying increased access to Clearwater Beach will hopefully be followed with improved bus service.

She also renewed a call for Government to take the lead in founding a Cultural Centre, saying Ministers past and present have talked long enough about building one.

Senate report: Page 5