The Island's proposed National Service Plan may become a model for the rest of the world, Premier Ewart Brown told the House of Assembly.

The plan, which aims to get young people aged 24 to 30 to volunteer in community-based programmes, will be shared with dignitaries at a conference in Alexandria, Egypt in October.

According to Dr. Brown, organisers for the International Association for National Youth Service Ninth Global Conference wanted to hear more about the Island's idea. The National Service Plan was unveiled in February. It encourages participants to complete 16 hours of community service a month. In return, volunteers may be given incentives like better loan rates and reduced TCD fines.

Dr. Brown said on Friday: "The organisers have expressed interest in Bermuda's National Service Plan because they are interested in sharing different perspectives on key topics involving youth.

"Bermuda's National Service Plan would be presented as part of a session on new developments in national youth service policies and programmes that include examples and perspectives from various countries."

The international exposure will allow Bermuda's plan to "be shared and critiqued on the international stage", the Premier said. "Other nations will review our plan and take away those aspects which are of value to them. By the same token, our presence at the conference allows us to review the plans in other countries and compare ourselves. This is an excellent opportunity for us to identify what are we doing right and what can we improve upon," he said.

The National Service Plan has already been examined by 59 residents. Their feedback will be considered when completing the final draft of legislation, said Dr. Brown.

According to him, the plan is one way to counteract the soaring violence on the Island.

"Recent acts of anti-social behaviour and of senseless violence, even though displayed and committed by a small segment of our youth, highlight the need to replace whatever negative aspects which may exist in our young peoples' lives with more positive influences.

"This Government believes that our National Service Plan is one way to achieve this goal.

"In this plan, young adults will serve as resources for those young people who are currently lacking positive role models as well as offer support to those who may simply need a helping hand."

Opposition MP John Barritt asked whether the deadline for young people looking to volunteer had come and gone. Dr. Brown admitted the deadline was on July 15 but said: "Later submission can still be considered under this democratic Government."