Sir John Swan's resignation as Premier unleashed a torrent of praise for the man who has led Bermuda since 1982.

Since he was chosen to head the United Bermuda Party and the Country, Sir John led his party to four general election victories and presided over a period of huge growth in Bermuda's international business.

Negotiation of a tax treaty with the United States that prevented a potentially massive loss of business to Barbados was among his achievements.

Interviewed after ten years in office in 1992, the Paget East MP said his greatest accomplishment was raising the self-esteem of the Bermudian people.

The Hon. Sir David Gibbons, who preceded Sir John as Premier and is now chairman of the Bank of Butterfield, said tranquillity marked Sir John's 13 years as Premier, in sharp contrast to the general strikes, mini-riots, and other civil unrest that characterised the 1960s and '70s.

Also, "we've seen tremendous growth in international business, and a substantial improvement generally in the quality of life,'' Sir David said.

Educational standards had improved and the population was upwardly mobile. Sir John "shows great sensitivity,'' Sir David said. "He has a great way with people, and likes people.

"He's supported by a very attractive and appealing wife. They make an excellent team.

"He was really a man of the people and was perceived as such. That's why he enjoyed so much popularity.

"Obviously, since a large part of the population is opposed to Independence, I suppose to that extent, they weren't happy during this last year and a half.'' However, "all of the things he accomplished outweigh that,'' Sir David said.

"He should be remembered for the first 12 years, when he did achieve so much.'' Mr. Quinton Edness, who has served in Sir John's Government during his entire time in office, said he was able to "stimulate progress'' in Bermuda, both economically and socially.

He improved housing and education in Bermuda, while upgrading roads, garbage disposal, and other parts of the infrastructure.

As a businessman, he understood and supported the private sector but still had "compassion for the social needs of the people,'' Mr. Edness said.

"I believe that more than anything, he inspired confidence in the people of Bermuda, and he inspired confidence in Bermuda from overseas,'' he said.

Mr. Bob Farmer, the US Consul General, said he thought "the world'' of Sir John and Lady Swan.

"In the business dealings that I had with him, he always served Bermuda tremendously well.

"He was a fine advocate and a gentleman and I'm sure that he will go on to do other interesting and worthwhile things which will benefit Bermuda.'' Mr. Farmer said the former Premier had many friends in Washington. First elected to the House of Assembly in 1972, he had "a sense of history'' about Bermuda-US relations.

Mr. Glenn Titterton, deputy chairman of the Bermuda International Business Association, said Sir John would be remembered for 13 years of "outstanding service.'' "If you look at the standard of living that we enjoy, the harmony in which we live, and the stability of the community, at least some of that has to be attributed to his leadership,'' Mr. Titterton said.

"He really deserves the gratitude of the entire community, whether people agreed with his recent positions or not.'' As for the recent Independence initiative that ended in a 74 percent `no' vote in the August 16 referendum, "I don't know where that came from,'' Mr.

Titterton said.

"I think it was a very unfortunate episode that was handled extremely badly,'' he said. "However, I think that in very short order that will be largely forgotten and people will remember the tremendous service that he's given over a tremendous period of time.'' Mr. Robert Rego, president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said Sir John "displayed a tremendous amount of energy, sincerity, and commitment,'' and brought together Bermudians of all ethnic backgrounds.

"With respect to the Chamber, we always found him to be a good listener and communicator. Obviously, you had to have your homework done,'' Mr. Rego said.

"If you were able to convince him of something, you could always count on his support.'' In the last year, Mr. Rego sensed Sir John was "probably worn out.'' "He set a heck of a pace for 12 years. Having said that, though, it never did dim his enthusiasm and his willingness for communication and participation.'' Ms Anna Faria, chairman of the Portuguese Bermudian Organisation, agreed there were some difficult times for the Portuguese community during Sir John's tenure.

"As far as the concerns and goals that we had, he always seemed to have a sympathetic ear,'' she said. "He always stressed that he couldn't solve our problems. He had to look at the whole Bermuda picture.'' Hamilton Mayor the Rt. Wor. William Boyle said Sir John had been " a good leader, not only of the UBP, but of Bermuda. He's probably the best statesman we've had for many generations.'' STATESMAN -- During his more than 13 years as Premier, Sir John Swan met with and hosted leaders from around the world. Here, he talks with British Prime Minister John Major at 10 Downing Street in 1993.

STEPPING DOWN -- Sir John Swan stepped down as Premier on Friday. Community leaders said he will be remembered for both his social conscience and support of Bermuda business.