An informal poll has shown that many members of the public support free tuition for top high school students.

As Education Minister Milton Scott reconsiders his position on the proposal announced by the former Government last year, The Royal Gazette took to the streets this week to gather public opinion.

The question put to members of the public was: "Should Government pay Bermuda College tuition fees for any high school student who has maintained a high level of attendance, at least a B average, and who will submit to a drug test -- as proposed by former Education Minister Tim Smith to boost school attendance?'' Generally, people thought that the Government should make this investment in the Island's students. Others however felt that this was not in the best interests of the students as no one should take education as a given.

Claudine Jackson, 33, said she thought that the Government should do this especially for those who could not pay the tuition themselves.

"If they are interested in our future they should,'' added Leroy Burchell a business manager. "It is time Government focused on the youth. If you want to reap the rewards, you have to make the investment.'' Administrative assistant Jane Simmons, 35, also said the Government should pay the tuition.

"It's a good incentive to get kids to do well in school,'' she said. "It ensures they'll get a good education.'' A 40-year-old female accountant disagreed with the conditions attached to the payment of tuition.

"The Bermuda Government should give financial assistance to anyone who needs it'' she said. "Some children do not do well in high school but do perform well in college.'' She also said no drug testing should be done unless all students had to take such a test.

Kristina Lambert, 30, an events and marketing coordinator, said free tuition might encourage more students to stay in Bermuda rather than go overseas for further education.

"It is important to stress that a college education is no longer an option,'' she said. "You don't get anywhere today without a college degree. The Bermuda Government should understand that.'' "If it keeps them in school and off the streets, they should,'' said Debra Rawlins, 42 a computer consultant. "Children need to learn and educate themselves. They are the future.'' A 42-year-old banker said if a student is willing to abide by the conditions they should be given the opportunity to go to the Bermuda College, particularly if they could not afford it without assistance.

Robert Harrison added that no doubt the Government would also want to do a financial means test on anyone wishing to take advantage of the proposal.

A 50-year-old entrepreneur thought that scholarships were a good idea, but that they should not be automatic because "you can't give them everything''.

"Parents have to see to it that their kids don't get involved with drugs,'' he added. "They get into drugs because of the environment they are in.'' But CedarBridge Academy librarian Shernette Peniston said the Government should not pay the tuition fees as proposed.

"Attendance and good grades should be a given,'' she said. "Parents should take a more active role in this. It's the parents' responsibility, not Government's.

She added that parents' priorities should be shifted and that spending on a child's education should be paramount.

"It is not a good idea,'' added Ron Rentenaar, 40, an engineer. "There has to be some incentive to students to put effort in.'' Mr. Rentenaar also said the Government had no business doing drug tests on people.

Claudine Jackson Jane Simmons Leroy Burchell Kristina Lambert Debra Rawlins Robert Harrison