Public figures this week expressed guarded optimism about the make up of the newly announced Cabinet.

While the Bermuda Teachers Union, said they were pleased to see someone with experience taking the Education portfolio, Environmentalist Stuart Hayward said he felt 'hope and uncertainty' about the appointment of Walter Roban to the Ministry of Environment.

Mr. Hayward, the Chairman of Bermuda Environment and Sustainability Taskforce, said: "With a new Minister, there's always hope and uncertainty.

"Hope that the new Minister will appreciate the pivotal role that environmental issues play in the health, well being and prosperity of all of Bermuda's residents, and uncertainty based on pre-judgments which, albeit unfairly, skew our perception of a new Minister's stance.

"Once the changes have time to settle, we will seek a meeting with Minister Roban out of courtesy and a wish to begin our relationship in the best possible way."

Mike Charles, General Secretary for the BUT, said he was encouraged by the appointment of Dame Jennifer Smith to the Ministry of Education.

"We worked with Dame Jennifer for a short period," Mr. Charles said. "I imagine she will do a good job in the portfolio.

"She has always been close to education, even when she was an opposition Minister.

"She has a long history in education and we are hopeful that we can work together for the students, because that is what we are here for."

St George's Mayor Kenneth Bascome congratulated the new Cabinet, including Premier Paula Cox, saying: "There are a few new people, and I wish them the best of luck. I think it's too early to be judgemental in a negative way."

He said he was surprised by the appointment of Patrice Minors as Tourism Minister, but said he was looking forward to working with her to improve tourism in the Town and the Island.

Martha Dismont, executive director of the Family Centre, applauded the creation of a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Families, which she felt was a sign of a renewed focus on the area.

"We had hoped for some time that a Cabinet Ministry would be devoted to a focus on youth and family.

"It is very clear to all of us working in this field that in order to reclaim our young people and to strengthen our families, we must begin focusing in these areas.

"We look forward to working with the Minister and those in the field to ensure that the emphasis placed in these areas will be reflective of the needs that have been identified in many published reports."

Sheelagh Cooper, of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, said she disliked the title of the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation, but now that the Ministries have been changed, she did not know who would be taking on its responsibilities.

"I never liked the name. The Ministry handled people who were poor, and the name social rehabilitation seemed to suggest that they had done something wrong," said Ms Cooper.

"I'm glad to see it's gone, but I would like to know where those responsibilities will end up."

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Diane Gordon said she was generally supportive of the new Cabinet, particularly the new Junior Minister of Finance Sen David Burt.

"The Chamber is delighted to see Sen Burt take on a Junior Ministry, but will miss his insight as an Executive Board member.

"Premier Cox has clearly attempted to define her administration and intent based on the make up of her first Cabinet."

Ed Ball, General Secretary for the Bermuda Public Service Union, said: "It's interesting. We'll have to wait and see."