defended by the Hon. Senator Pamela Gordon.

The Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister challenged a statement by her Opposition counterpart, Mr. Dennis Lister, that Government was dragging its feet in financial support of the Island's youth and, in particular, assistance to the Bermuda Football Association.

Sen. Gordon said: "As usual the PLP's representative for Youth and Sport is short on facts and long on political licence over a very important issue. My ministry provides approximately one million dollars annually in the form of grants and aid to numerous sporting bodies and youth organisations.

"There are some 35 such organisations, including the Bermuda Football Association, which are currently receiving grants from Government.'' Sen. Gordon added that the rent of the BFA offices, the salaries of administrators, the national coach, managers, trainers and medical staff are also covered by grants.

Similar assistance is granted to the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, she pointed out. And Government had also helped the BFA acquire its own training facility with floodlights and extended the seating at the National Stadium.

"Contrary to the misrepresentations put forward by Mr. Lister, the UBP Government has previously promised to consider further assistance to the BFA when a complete accounting of the current fund-raising efforts are finalised,'' said Sen. Gordon.

"I am proud of the UBP commitment to and partnership with the BFA and warmly thank the people of Bermuda for responding so generously to the recent Telethon appeal.

"By working as a partnership in these recessionary times, we will together find the necessary resources to ensure that our youth and our sports players make use of every opportunity which we are able to give.''