fortunate, was a prominent feature of Friday's budget.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox told the House of Assembly on Friday that Government expenditures would focus on enriching the lives of all Bermudians.

"Those who are disadvantaged through age, infirmity or lack of job skills need to know that this Government wants to act on their behalf to ensure that they receive society's help,'' said Mr. Cox.

Many of the Island's 291 registered charities play an important role in helping care for the dis-advantage and for some of them, the 1999/2000 budget recognises their contributions.

The Coalition for the Protection of Children was one of the charities which walked away from Friday's Budget with extra money in their pocket.

The Coalition, which advocates the protection of children against abuse and neglect through legislation, intervention, treatment and prevention, received a grant for $40,000 from the Education Department to operate its conflict resolution and mediation programme.

"We are very pleased that this new Government recognises the importance of conflict resolution and mediation,'' said founder Sheelagh Cooper. "The funds will go towards the continued maintenance of the programme.

"Bermuda is the only country in the world that has this programme in all of the primary and middle schools.'' Some $233,000 was set aside for the development of a fifth community group home for the learning disabled, but the Association for the Mentally Handicapped preferred not to comment on the budget announcement until further details about the home were revealed.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also received a `bonus' in the budget which to help them keep the Island's furry, four-legged friends from harm.

The Finance Minister told the House on Friday that the SPCA would receive a $7,500 grant to offset the duty on a new van, in addition to their yearly grant of $4,000.

"It's wonderful news,'' exclaimed SPCA chairman Dr. Andrew Maderios upon learning of the bonus. "That's fantastic.'' Dr. Madeiros said he first contacted the Finance Department regarding the SPCA receiving a break on duty several month's ago.

"We weren't on the list for duty-free allowances for charities, so I filled out a form,'' he recalled. "About two or three weeks ago I sent a letter to the department and I guess they decided to grant us our request.'' Dr. Madeiros said the duty-free allowance would make a big impact on the charity's bottom line.

"We had an expensive year last year with the purchase of the van and our renovations,'' he explained. "This will go a long way for us.

"The little bits really do help, they add up. A hundred dollars here, a hundred dollars there really does make a difference.'' A number of other charitable organisations, which provide the community with valuable services, will continue to receive financial support from the new Government over the next 12 months.

PALS, Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army, Summerhaven, Hope Homes and The Women's Resource Centre will all receive the same allowance listed in the 1998/99 revised budget estimates.

To enhance Bermudian's quality of life, Community Affairs will receive an extra $232,000, or a 23 percent increase over last year's allowance.

Thank's to the increase, the department will function with a $1,248,000 budget for the next 12 months.

And Cultural Affairs will receive an extra $74,000 or a five-percent raise in their operating budget to bring it to the grand total of $1,595,000.

Both departments fall under the new mega-ministry of Development, Opportunity and Government Services.

Thanks to the boost in Cultural Affairs budget, The Bermuda National Trust also saw their Government grant from the department increase by some $9,000 to $120,000.

The Trust preserves land, building, places and artifacts of beauty or historical interest for the benefit of Bermuda.

"We are very happy and pleased,'' said Trust director Amanda Outerbridge.

"We had asked the Ministry for additional funds.

"Past grants have not kept pace with inflation, but this increase will help a lot.'' Ms Outerbridge said the additional funds were not earmarked for special projects. Instead the money will help cover the Trust's essentials for operation.

"This will help cover our operational costs, we can barely afford to turn on the lights,'' she pointed out. "We are really pleased to receive the extra funds.'' The last budget for the 20th century also showed continued support for the local Arts community.

The Bermuda Arts Council, The Bermuda National Gallery and the National Youth Choir together receive $230,000.

And Cultural Affairs has earmarked $60,000 especially for the promotion of the Arts.

The department has also set aside $100,000 to sponsor the children's programme Sesame Street and $216,000 for the kiddie programme Learn-a-Lots and the senior's programme Treasure.

Heritage Month will take a $350,000 cut this year as 54 percent of its budget was slashed. Last year some $652,000 was set aside for heritage month compared to the $302,000 earmarked for the May 1999.

However, Bermuda Day festivities will not suffer as a result of the Heritage Month budget cuts. Some $40,000 has been set aside for the May 24th celebration.

And the new PLP Government has thrown its support behind marking the year 2000 with special events. The Millennium Fund Programme received $500,000 -- the same amount it was given in the 1998/99 budget.

Quality of life: Arts and entertainment were not forgotten in Friday's new Budget. Programmes for children, culture, animal welfare and community-centred programmes were just some of the winners.

Sheelagh Cooper: Pleased that the new Government recognises importance of conflict resolution and mediation programmes.