of special organisations dedicated specifically to their solution, Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward said this week.

Mr. Hayward, who was speaking to Hamilton Rotarians, discussed so-called non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and what they could do for Bermuda.

The Independent MP, who was drawing from information he picked up at last month's Earth Summit in Brazil, said NGOs were "energised by their commitment to a single goal''.

The NGOs, he noted, were pivotal in drafting some of the landmark treaties approved by more than 70 countries attending the summit.

"They are a powerful, educational coalition-building tool,'' he said. Mr.

Hayward said Bermuda could learn from the summit experience of the NGOs. Their strategies in putting together the treaties involving climate, communication, conservation, education, energy, fisheries, oceans, waste and racism, were applicable to many situations.

He praised two "lofty ventures'' that were launched during the conference: an International Green Cross to combat environmental disasters around the world, such as the oil fires last year in Kuwait. The idea was established by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who was named President.

the combination of 40 NGOs to form Earth Action, a group aiming to bring public pressure to global decision-making.

"The earth is in trouble,'' said Mr. Hayward, "because of ordinary people like you and me, and it is from us that the repair must come.'' Mr. Hayward blamed Bermudians for contributing to the problem. "Bermudians know and practise many ways to destroy character.'' He told Rotarians how supportive people were of each other in Rio de Janeiro and how Bermudians had a lot to learn.

"We must instil a thirst for spiritual development,'' Mr. Hayward said, "and we must start acting with more respect and care for each other.'' To stress the point of his speech Mr. Hayward quoted a Brazilian reporter: "We are thinking and fighting for a better tomorrow.'' Mr. Stuart Hayward MP.