Every school leaver will be responsible for giving back to their community under a national service initiative plugged during the Throne Speech.

Government provided more details on the scheme yesterday, saying it would "complement" service in the Bermuda Regiment rather than take away from conscription.

The initiative focuses on the mentoring of schoolchildren by "post-secondary" youngsters, via tutoring, sports clubs, community groups, volunteerism and other organisations.

"In the Throne Speech of 2003, we said we would introduce a form of national service for youth," said Premier Ewart Brown at a press conference yesterday. "This idea is worth pursuing even more today than ever before.

"The aim of a programme of national service is to foster a transfer of knowledge, experience, skills and character from youth educated at post-secondary level to their school-age peers. I have no intention of pre-empting the public consultation or legislative debate that must accompany this initiative. The vision however, is that every young person will be required to give back to his and her community.

"We will require these young people to mentor through organised tutoring, through involvement in sports clubs and community organisations, through targeted volunteerism and other means of service.

"This programme will complement service in the Bermuda Regiment and other areas. We will not draw from their numbers and we will include young women. The possibilities are endless."

Last week's Throne Speech promised the initiative would "require Bermudian young men and women to actively participate in mentoring the youth", helping them make sound career choices and acquire necessary work skills.

Added Dr. Brown yesterday: "We released the Mincy Report on young black men last week. Its finding that some of our young men lack the 'soft skills' required for success in this economy makes this personal contact and transfer of knowledge even more important.

"We will begin to roll out the initiative early in the New Year. As I said, public input will be welcomed."

He continued: "I believe every young Bermudian should be prepared to do something for Bermuda. I believe that is a matter of principle. It is not designed to be punitive.

"I believe it's something the Country needs and that the young people are up to the challenge. There are people who have suggested that the national service could be a substitution in place of the Regiment. We have not reached that point."