The Bermuda Police Service has made no progress since the appointment of a new Commissioner, the Opposition Leader claimed yesterday.

Progresive Labour Party Leader Mr. Frederick Wade told Hamilton Lions that "things seem to be worse'' nine months after Mr. Colin Coxall was brought over from Britain to shake-up the Service.

But he said unless Government pledged financial support and the community rallied to help the Police, progress would remain limited.

Mr. Wade was speaking to the Hamilton Lions on "Bermuda Post Referendum'', and what problems need addressing to put the Island back on an even footing.

Race relations, he said, urgently needed tackling, education must be reformed, crime reduced, tourism given a boost, full employment achieved and the electoral system revamped.

He also suggested the problem of physical abuse of women needed to be examined, drugs which are the cause of many crimes reduced, and the takeover of the baselands handled carefully to provide a new era of economic growth.

Mr. Wade also did not rule out the possibility of another referendum -- saying the door to Independence remained open.

He was critical of the Police Service although he appeared to indicate that its progress was dependent on Government and community support.

Mr. Coxall has finalised his strategy for the Force's future, but no announcement has been made on costs and whether the Government will provide the cash to support the planned changes.

"We had the benefit of new leadership in the Police Service and after nine months, things seem to be worse,'' said Mr. Wade.

"I expected progress to be made if we bring in experts from overseas. I am not satisfied that we are getting better.'' Empty Police cars parked by the roadside to deter speeding was "not good enough'' and more officers should be on the beat, Mr. Wade said.

But he added: "No matter who is in charge of our Police Service it was and is our position that unless the financial support from Government and support from the community is forthcoming, progress will be limited.'' Drug abuse also has to be controlled as it is the root of many crimes in Bermuda and the Government must start programmes to discourage young people from getting hooked on drugs.

Punishment must also fit the crime and those who deal in drugs "must be dealt with in a serious way''. He backed calls for new legislation enabling Police to seize drug dealers' assets.

The referendum, he said, had brought the question of race to the surface and "straight talking'' on racial matters had exposed the "depth and breadth of the impact of race on the Bermuda society''.

A weak human rights policy and an "anaemic'' Commission for Unity and Racial Equality would not be acceptable.

"It is imperative that institutions in Bermuda seriously take steps to deal with racism. The black community has had enough and expects fundamental steps to be taken to ensure racial policies are removed from every aspect of Bermuda life,'' said Mr. Wade.

"Post-referendum Bermuda expects the Government to get on solving basic problems that have plagued this community. Post-referendum Bermuda expects their politicians to listen carefully and act on advice given.

"It is my hope that the referendum will produce a better democracy and that the Bermudian people are now prepared to change in order to improve their situation.

"It is my hope that they no longer hold the view that one segment of the community can govern Bermuda successfully,'' said Mr. Wade.