vision had boosted his own understanding of social needs.

The twin "handicaps'' drove home the critical importance of housing, good health care, and education, he said.

And it highlighted the need for people to maximise their potential and develop into "whole persons''.

Sir John made his comments at a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

He was speaking without a prepared text because of a damaged cornea.

"It is our own imperfections that remind us how fortunate we are. I feel slightly more humble as a result.'' His wide-ranging speech was based around the theme of Bermuda's future and the process of Bermudianisation.

It covered Government achievements during his decade as Premier, and outlined future political direction.

Sir John said one of his chief aims has been to set up the infrastructure to speed up Bermudianisation and ensure children's potential was tapped.

Housing standards, for instance, had improved during his term in office, he said.

The number of people per household unit now stood at 2.5 -- markedly less than before.

"The standard of housing is probably the finest on a national basis you can find in the world.'' On health Sir John stated: "We need to ensure that everybody has the facility and the right to get basic care.'' Sir John told of the development of St. Brendan's Hospital, boosted by Government resources.

The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital had also reached high standards of care, achieving Canadian accreditation.

"We can only look to the future by looking back at what we have done,'' said Sir John.

Turning to education, Sir John said: "This is the foundation of the development of the child at a very early age.'' He stressed parental responsibility in imposing discipline, and ensuring homework was done.

"Bermudianisation is about the development of the whole person,'' he added.

Sir John went on to express his excitement at the prospect for Bermuda and its people.

"If anyone is excited about the full potential of society it is myself,'' he stated.

It was important for everyone to have a stake in society, and the process of democratisation.

Sir John said the Island's challenge lay in marrying the development of people with the needs of society.