The Premier today announced a detailed national service plan for young adults.

The programme is voluntary, but possible incentives including better loan rates and reduced TCD fees have been proposed as a means of getting men and women between the ages of 24 and 30 to commit to complete 16 hours of service a month for two years.

Dr. Brown told the House of Assembly this morning: “The recent acts of senseless violence that have rocked Bermuda, together with the release of the Mincy Report highlighting the plight of our young men, have clearly underscored the need for mentoring and other creative strategies to restore Bermuda’s harmony and peace.

“The Government has developed one such creative solution with the proposal for a national service programme. This programme is designed to engage our young Bermudian men and women in positive and meaningful activity.”

All male and female Bermudians will be eligible for the national service programme until the age of 30 but they must make a commitment by the time they are 28.

The programme will not replace the Regiment. Bermudian men who are conscripted will be able to apply to transfer out of the Regiment and into the new programme after a year of service.

Those involved in the programme could find themselves eligible for a number of benefits including free public transportation, low interest bank loans, discounts at TCD on licensing fees, discount card packages from various retailers and public recognition once service is completed.

The Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing would be responsible for the programme, which would be headed by a director who would answer directly to the Permanent Secretary.

Dr. Brown said the point of the programme was to create responsible citizens.

“The national service programme shall be aimed at nurturing an individual’s skills and interests in a manner that is beneficial to Bermuda and its people,” he said. “This is consistent with both developing career goals and further assisting in communities after the period of service is complete.”

He added that the public and private sector would be encouraged to allow young adults in the programme one hour a month during work time to complete their service.

And while the plan says all Bermudians would be eligible for national service it was unclear today if those with a criminal history would be excluded.

The plan stated: “Once registered for the national service, individuals must go through a qualifying screening process to ensure that the safety and best interest of all participants are protected. These measures would include but are not limited to: Police and court background checks; physical and mental health examinations.”

If the programme is passed, young adults would be able to decide on which charity they want to work with or ask the national service programme to assign them one.

Some of the areas the Premier hopes young people will focus on are:

l Tutoring core subjects in the education system or in an educational programme;

l Young adults in the health, legal or financial sector could provide professional advice about subjects such as money management, civil rights, and nutrition;

l Coaching youth or holding an office in sports programmes;

l Serving on private or Government boards that involve or relate to youth or seniors;

l Serving as a volunteer to youth or senior agencies/organisations;

l Working on project proposals from various organisations involving youth or seniors;

l Serving as a resource for the Department of National Service by assuming leadership responsibilities as delegated by staff.

What do you think? E-mail roklynch@royalgazette.bm.

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