the Island at last week's first-ever Youth Summit. And many of the topics they raised have long been the subject of discussion.

Education, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, gangs and posses, teen pregnancy and a lack of recreational facilities for Bermuda's youngsters were a few of the serious issues raised by the teenagers.

Students from each participating school were asked to draw up a list of major issues which they felt should be addressed -- and addressed soon.

These "proclamations'' were read aloud throughout the evening by representatives of the various student bodies.

"We are not here for the purpose of finger-pointing, but to let you be heard,'' summit organiser Mr. Rick Richardson told the crowd at Fort Hamilton.

Several of the presenters reminded their peers that improving their self-esteem and dropping the "I can't mentality'' was the first step towards progress.

Some of the key issues highlighted at the summit were: Education The state of Bermuda's education system, especially with regards to public schools, was the dominant topic of the evening.

The teenagers said more funding, a greater quantity and quality of text books, additional scholarships and activities were badly needed.

"Education is not seen as a priority in Bermuda,'' said one teenager. "And Government has failed to provide sufficient academic scholarships for students coming from Government schools.'' Budget cuts at the Bermuda College were criticised for leading to "a decrease in academic opportunities'' for students attending the Island's general secondary schools.

The suggestion that black history be integrated into current history courses brought enthusiastic applause from the audience each time a presenter raised the subject.

Sandys Secondary recommended that a sixth year be added to the general school curriculum to better prepare students for college.

Those who left school early were also given a voice at the summit.

"More emphasis needs to be placed on those who drop out of school for various reasons,'' said a Warwick Secondary student. "More job and learning opportunities must be made available for youth to develop technical skills.'' Recreation and entertainment The lack of structured recreational facilities for young people was agreed by almost all participants.

Many said that community centres -- preferably in each parish -- would provide young people with a safe environment where they could improve themselves.

"Instead of a new prison, they should have built a youth centre,'' said one young woman.

One student said the core problem was that the Island was sorely lacking in entertainment which the youth of today would enjoy.

The establishment of a performing arts centre -- an idea which has been put forward by a number of people in the community recently -- was also suggested.

Teenage drug and alcohol abuse Several proclamations said owners of clubs and liquor stores should "tighten up their policies'' regarding the sale of alcohol to minors, and that Police should monitor the businesses more closely.

A Berkeley Institute student told the crowd that drug education "should not be limited to school, but be carried through to domestic life where parents would also become better educated about drugs and their abuse in society''.

Relations with the authorities A roar of approval greeted the statement that Police had a "hostile attitudes towards the youth''.

"Police and the Government must become more approachable and sensitive to the needs of young people,'' said a Warwick Secondary student, who also listed racial discrimination as an important social issue.

Although stiffer penalties were suggested for young people who engaged in fights in school and in public, the practice of handing out prison sentences to traffic offenders was heavily criticised.

"They arrest people for simple things like riding while disqualified, and then people with (more serious) offences get off with something easy,'' one young woman said.