chairman of the Human Rights Commission.

Canon James Francis told more than 100 elderly guests at the annual Lions, Lionesses and Leos' dinner that they should take advantage of the power they hold.

And Canon Francis said the seniors should not just sit back and complain but take action if they have problems which politicians can solve.

Speaking at the Hamilton Princess, just two days before the election, the Canon Residentiary of Bermuda Cathedral said pointed out many people nearing 70 were still having to work.

A senior citizen himself since September, he said: "They are still in full time jobs, not because they are restless but because they need to make a decent living. They cannot afford to sit around and be idle.

"The pension, about which you all complain, you have been told you cannot get any more money. Who told you that?'' Canon Francis added the 9,000 senior citizens were a powerful force and could demand more respect from politicians.

He said: "Many senior citizens have worked hard and we have built Bermuda on your backs. Bermuda is the third richest country in the world. It was made because of you.

"You have cleaned those homes, you have worked in the hotels, you have been insulted in the shops, taken abuse and you have had to walk to all points of this Island. You have been threatened that you would be replaced if you even thought about getting sick.

"Seniors will tell you these horror stories over and over again because they are etched in their memories. They have suffered indignities that most people in other countries have never had to put up with.'' Continuing to point out what a powerful force they can be, Canon Francis said: "You could change Government tomorrow.'' "Senior citizens should get it together and wake up. I am not asking you to have a revolution, just a little evolution or agitation. Let's get what is rightfully ours.'' Canon Francis stressed that senior citizens should have more concern for each other, which many show by joining one of the Island's 14 senior citizen clubs.

He said they should communicate with each other and get to know their rights.

He said: "Do you know what you can do? What you can expect? And what you ought to have? "Those 9,000 people ought to be informed of their rights. You must demand specific, concise and prompt responses to your inquiries.

"Demand the necessary laws to protect you and have them printed in `English' so you can understand them without the need for a lawyer to interpret them.'' Canon Francis encouraged the senior citizens present to make the most of their lives. He said they should not be expected to leave their homes to their children but visit the banks and get money on parts of their properties.

He said: "Your family and friends are going to fight over your house anyway.

Give them less to fight over.

"If I see you in three weeks time and you are still complaining I am going to tell you where to go and it will not be towards heaven!'' Earlier the senior citizens had been treated to a meal and music from the Bermuda Institute Steel Band. They were waited on by members of the Lions, Lionesses and Leos clubs.