riders and promised to listen to their concerns and suggestions.

Dr. Brown vowed to meet with the residents again in the new year and to bring solutions to the problems faced by riders in the Paget, Warwick and Hamilton Harbour islands.

Flanked by Ministry officials, including Permanent Secretary Herman Tucker, programme manager Larry Jacobs and Marine and Ports director Ron Ross, Dr.

Brown said "this is what it's all about'' when a ferry pilot condemned Ministry plans.

Perennial ferry issues such as parking, a tighter schedule, more stops further west into Warwick and Southampton, and the maintenance of service to islands in the harbour were raised.

"The objective of this Government is to meet your needs,'' Dr. Brown told the more than 100 people at Warwick Academy.'' Calling it a "consultative meeting'' he told ferry users: "You will get a response to your questions and comments. I don't live in Warwick. I don't use the ferry, so I have no vested interests.

"You are being heard. And we will come up with a decision that will serve the largest number of people...I'm going to come back in January or February with a solution.'' The loudest applause of the night came when Warwick resident Yvette Swan -- who lost to Dr. Brown in Warwick West in last year's election -- called for a car park near either the Darrell's or Belmont stops. Dr. Brown said he would consider this.